Djokovic Struggles Again: A Third Consecutive Defeat at Indian Wells

Novak Djokovic has faced another setback in his career, as the 24-time Grand Slam champion suffered a third straight defeat, losing to Dutch lucky loser Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round of the 2025 Indian Wells tournament. This unexpected loss marks a continuation of Djokovic’s recent struggles, which have raised questions about his form and future in the sport.

Djokovic’s Third Straight Loss: A Disappointing Performance

Djokovic, seeded seventh in the tournament, was defeated by the world number 85, Botic van de Zandschulp, with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1. The loss, which came in Djokovic’s opening match at Indian Wells after receiving a first-round bye, was a subdued performance by the Serbian star. It was not the kind of match expected from a player who has dominated the tennis world for nearly two decades.

This latest defeat is Djokovic’s third in as many attempts, following losses to Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals of the Australian Open, Matteo Berrettini in Doha, and now Van de Zandschulp. After a strong run at the Australian Open, where he had a memorable victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals, Djokovic’s form has faltered.

The Struggles Continue for Djokovic

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In his post-match comments, Djokovic acknowledged that things have been different for him in recent years. The 37-year-old admitted that he has been struggling to play at the level he desires. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, he has found consistency elusive. “Every now and then, I have a couple of good tournaments, but mostly it’s really a challenge. It’s a struggle for me,” Djokovic said, reflecting on his recent difficulties.

The loss at Indian Wells is part of a larger pattern of inconsistent results for Djokovic. In 2024, he won just one title, although it was the Olympic gold medal he had long sought. However, his failure to secure another Grand Slam title marked the first time since 2017 that he had not won a major. The ongoing struggles have led some to question whether age and wear-and-tear are beginning to catch up with the legendary player.

A Lackluster Performance in Indian Wells

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In his match against Van de Zandschulp, Djokovic made a series of uncharacteristic errors that contributed to his defeat. The Serbian star hit 37 unforced errors and only 16 winners, which was a stark contrast to his usual high standards. This lack of precision was evident throughout the match, and even though he managed to level the match in the second set, his performance in the third set was poor. He was unable to recover from a shaky start, and Van de Zandschulp capitalized on Djokovic’s mistakes to take control of the final set.

Djokovic himself acknowledged that it was “just a bad day in the office,” but the performance raised concerns about deeper issues. He struggled with his return of serve, which has historically been one of his greatest strengths. Van de Zandschulp was able to take advantage of Djokovic’s second serve, converting five of eight break point opportunities. It was a sign that Djokovic’s return game, which had been a hallmark of his success, may be showing signs of vulnerability.

An Unfortunate Pattern: A Second Straight Loss to a Lucky Loser

This loss to Van de Zandschulp also marked Djokovic’s second consecutive defeat to a “lucky loser.” Last year, Djokovic was ousted by Italy’s Luca Naldi in a similar fashion. The term “lucky loser” refers to players who enter the main draw of a tournament after another player withdraws, and they often have little to lose in their matches. For Djokovic to suffer back-to-back losses to such players raises further questions about his current form and mental state.

Van de Zandschulp’s Upset Victory

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While Djokovic’s performance was disappointing, credit must be given to Botic van de Zandschulp, who played a composed and determined match to secure the victory. The Dutch player, who had initially lost in qualifying, earned a place in the main draw after a series of withdrawals and made the most of his opportunity.

Van de Zandschulp has become known for his ability to cause upsets, and this win over Djokovic is just the latest in a series of high-profile victories. Last year, he stunned Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open and ended Rafael Nadal’s career in his final tournament at the Davis Cup. These victories demonstrated Van de Zandschulp’s ability to maintain his composure against top players, and he showed that same quality in his win over Djokovic.

Despite being a double break down in the second set, Van de Zandschulp kept his cool and turned the momentum around, winning eight of the final ten games. He said after the match, “I kept my cool during the whole match. I need to be cool against the big guys.” His mental strength and ability to handle pressure were key factors in his success.

Djokovic’s Future: Is This Just a Phase?

As Djokovic looks to move past this defeat, he will have to confront a number of questions about his future in tennis. With the Miami Open looming, he will need to find a way to regain his form and confidence. Djokovic has the experience and ability to bounce back from setbacks, as demonstrated by his success in Melbourne earlier this year. However, as he turns 38 in May, the question of how much longer he can compete at the highest level becomes more pressing.

It is clear that time is catching up with Djokovic, but it remains to be seen if this marks the beginning of a sustained decline or if he can recover and mount another challenge for major titles. The return of Andy Murray to his coaching team is a positive step, but it may take more than just a coaching change to turn things around.

The Road Ahead for Djokovic

Looking ahead, Djokovic’s road to recovery will not be easy. The upcoming Miami Open will be an important test for him, as it offers an opportunity to build momentum before the clay-court season begins. Djokovic will need to rediscover the form that saw him dominate the ATP Tour for so long.

One of the biggest questions is whether Djokovic’s struggles are a result of physical issues, mental fatigue, or a combination of both. The higher bouncing balls on the recently-changed courts in Indian Wells were something Djokovic cited as a potential factor in his poor performance, but it may also be a sign of a broader struggle to adapt to changing conditions.

Conclusion: Can Djokovic Overcome His Struggles?

Novak Djokovic’s third consecutive defeat at Indian Wells is a clear indication that he is currently not playing at his usual level. The loss to Botic van de Zandschulp raises more questions about Djokovic’s future and his ability to compete with the younger generation of players. While his struggles are evident, it is important to remember that Djokovic is one of the greatest players in tennis history. If anyone can bounce back from such setbacks, it is him.

As Djokovic continues his recovery, both physically and mentally, fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see if he can find a way to return to the top of the game. With his unmatched experience and mental fortitude, there is still hope that Djokovic can overcome these struggles and continue to add to his incredible legacy in tennis.