“It’s really a challenge,” Novak Djokovic admits he is struggling to be consistent after disappointing Indian Wells exit

Novak Djokovic's quest for his sixth Indian Wells title ended after his three-set defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp.

“It’s really a challenge,” Novak Djokovic admits he is struggling to be consistent after disappointing Indian Wells exit

Novak Djokovic (Image via ATP/X)

Novak Djokovic‘s hunt for his 100th ATP title continues as he crashed out of the Indian Wells Open after a second-round defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp. Djokovic, who will turn 38 in May, and is already finding it tough to play a high level of tennis consistently, has started losing in the first rounds.

Before Indian Wells, Djokovic lost to Matteo Berrettini in his opening round in the Qatar Open. At Indian Wells, the sixth seed started his campaign in the second round against ‘giant killer’ Van de Zandschulp, who truly lived up to his reputation. Djokovic was no match for the Dutchman in the first set, as he could win just two games.

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The Serb tried to force a comeback in the second set and was successful. In the third set however, Van de Zandschulp didn’t let Djokovic win more than one game as the lucky loser eventually booked a spot in the third round with scoreline of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.

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I’ve been struggling to play on the desired level. Every now and then, I have couple of good tournaments, but, you know, mostly it’s really a challenge. It’s a struggle for me. So it is what it is. You know, I guess nothing can prepare you for that moment, in a sense. You have to experience it and try to deal with it in the best possible way.

Novak Djokovic said at the press conference

Novak Djokovic uncertain about Miami Open participation

Novak Djokovic is on the entry list of the Miami Open, but he is unsure whether to play in the second tournament of the Sunshine Doubles. Miami Open is scheduled to start on March 18 and Djokovic will have an ample amount of time to communicate what he has in his mind to his team.

Novak Djokovic (11)
Novak Djokovic (Image via ATP/X)

Yeah. I mean, still haven’t talked with Andy [Murray] and the team, so going to do that and make a plan.

Novak Djokovic said at the press conference

The Serb had signed up for Indian Wells last year for the first time since 2019, but there too, the result was no different as he got eliminated in his second match. Djokovic, however, had skipped the Miami Open and instead prepared for the clay season, starting his campaign at the Monte Carlo Masters.

His Indian Wells exit marked his third defeat in a row, following mid-match retirement in the Australian Open semifinals and his opening-round loss to Matteo Berrettini in Doha. He is yet to win an event on the tour since his 2023 ATP Finals victory.