“Struggled a lot,” Novak Djokovic blames Indian Wells court after shock defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp

Novak Djokovic failed to have a great run at the Indian Wells as Botic van de Zandschulp beat him in three sets in the second round.

“Struggled a lot,” Novak Djokovic blames Indian Wells court after shock defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp

Novak Djokovic, Botic van de Zandschulp (Image via ATP/X)

Novak Djokovic entered Indian Wells on his quest for his 100th ATP title. To his utmost disappointment, he crashed out of the tournament after his defeat in his opening round. Later, although he blamed himself for his performance, he felt that the courts might have played some role.

The sixth seed was eyeing his record sixth title in the California desert and was up against lucky loser Botic van de Zandschulp. From the very beginning of the match, Djokovic struggled to find his rhythm and eventually lost with scoreline of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.

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The courts this year have been changed from Plexipave to Laykold, which is considered a bit faster. Daniil Medvedev was furious with the change, while Carlos Alcaraz struggled to find the reason why the courts were resurfaced.

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I mean, it’s always something happening, but I don’t want to talk about it. I mean, obviously no excuses for a poor performance. Just it doesn’t feel great when you play this way on the court, but congratulations to my opponent. You know, just a bad day in the office, I guess, for me.

Novak Djokovic said at the post-match press conference

Laykold courts are used at the Miami Open as well as the US Open. Djokovic, however, feels the condition is different from court to court.

To be honest, the difference between the center court and the other courts is immense. Ball is bouncing on the center courts higher than some of the highest clay courts, to be honest. Yeah, just struggled a lot with that. Rhythm.

Novak Djokovic added

Novak Djokovic has lost three matches in a row now

Novak Djokovic has reached the twilight of his career and is struggling to play consistent tennis. Since the start of the 2024 season, he had disappointing campaigns on the tour, often losing in the early rounds.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via ATP/X)

The 2024 Olympic champion was confident that he would gradually regain his form, but it’s not at all the case at present. He started his season at the Brisbane International where he lost in the quarterfinals.

Then at the Australian Open, the 24-time Grand Slam champion was forced to retire from the semifinal match because of a hamstring injury. At the Qatar Open, Matteo Berrettini got the better of him in his opening round.

With his defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp, Djokovic has now lost three matches on the trot for the first time since 2018. He’s unsure whether to play in the Miami Open next.