Novak Djokovic Indian Wells struggles continue with this defeat
Novak Djokovic and his recent performances at Indian Wells have been marred by unexpected losses to lucky losers in both 2024 and 2025.
Novak Djokovic’s recent performance has raised concerns following his unexpected exit at the Indian Wells Masters. The 37-year-old Serbian, currently ranked world No. 7, faced a surprising defeat against Botic van de Zandschulp, the world No. 85 and a lucky loser entrant, with a scoreline of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1. This loss marks Djokovic’s third consecutive defeat, a streak he hasn’t experienced since 2018.
Botic van de Zandschulp has now beaten Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Rafael Nadal all in the last 7 months.
Djokovic’s recent struggles have been attributed to a combination of factors, including physical challenges and a potential decline in motivation. His gameplay has shown uncharacteristic weaknesses, such as reduced mobility and increased unforced errors. These issues have led to growing frustrations on the court, acknowledging that he is struggling to find his desired form.
Despite these setbacks, Novak Djokovic remains determined to overcome this challenging phase. He acknowledges the difficulties in maintaining peak performance but continues to seek motivation to compete at the highest level. Looking ahead, Djokovic aims to regain his form in the upcoming Miami Open alongside Andy Murray, striving to demonstrate resilience and adaptability as he navigates this chapter of his career.
Inside the Baseline…
Novak Djokovic’s loss at Indian Wells feels like a turning point, or at least a moment that demands attention. Watching him struggle against Botic van de Zandschulp, a player he would typically handle with ease, was not typical. The fluid movement, the impenetrable defense, the ability to flip a match in seconds, all seemed a step off. Whether it’s motivation, age, or just an off stretch, something isn’t clicking. Djokovic has defied time better than almost anyone, but for the first time in a while, it feels like the rest of the field might be catching up.
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