Novak Djokovic admits 'struggling to play at desired level' after shock Indian Wells exit to Botic van de Zandschulp

Novak Djokovic's difficult start to the 2025 season continued with an error-prone defeat in his Indian Wells opener against Botic van de Zandschulp. The Dutchman's three-set victory in two hours left Djokovic lamenting that he is "struggling to play at the desired level" as time catches up with him. "It's really a challenge," he said. "Nothing can prepare you for that moment."

Novak Djokovic of Serbia shows his dejection against Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands in their second round match during the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 08, 2025 in Indian Wells, California

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Novak Djokovic admitted that he is "struggling to play at the desired level" after suffering a shock early exit to Botic van de Zandschulp in Indian Wells.

The Serbian, a five-time champion at the BNP Paribas Open, crashed out to the Dutch lucky loser with a 2-6 6-3 1-6 defeat on Saturday.

Djokovic’s performance was littered with mistakes in a match lasting just over two hours, the 24-time major champion finishing with 37 unforced errors to his name.

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"You know, things are different obviously for me the last couple of years. I've been struggling to play at the desired level," said the 37-year-old.

"Every now and then, I have a couple of good tournaments, but mostly it's really a challenge. It's a struggle for me.

"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." He added: "It was just a bad day in the office, I guess."

The setback marked a third straight loss for Djokovic for just the second time since 2008, following his Australian Open semi-final retirement against Alexander Zverev and Doha defeat to Matteo Berrettini.

Djokovic won just one title in 2024, the lowest tally of his career, but it was a big one as he claimed an elusive Olympic gold medal in Paris.

However, he was left frustrated with himself after a below-par performance in Indian Wells where he failed to land an ace, won just 29% of second serve points and was broken five times.

"The first three games, four games of the third set were quite close. Had my chances. Was just some awful mistakes," said Djokovic.

"I thought I was on most of these points at the beginning of the third. I don't know, when I reflect on this match, obviously I'll see a little bit more what I could have done more, but he played some really good points to break my serve.

"But just putting myself in that position, I shouldn't allow myself to do that."

Van de Zandschulp has established something of a reputation as a giant-killer, this being his eighth win over a Top 10 player.

The world No. 85, who has previously defeated the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal, was delighted with his own display.

"I think I kept my cool during the whole match," said Van de Zandschulp.

"The second set was very tough, he gained a big lead. But I think I did well turning it to 5-3 to get the momentum back a little bit.

"I think I started well, surviving one or two games in the third set, and then broke and turned it around.

"I know if I go into the match and lose my cool, especially against the big players, it’s going to be a really tough day. That’s always one thing I’m trying to do well."

Van de Zandschulp progresses to face Francisco Cerundolo in the third round.

Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz and Daniil Medvedev all made it safely through, but top seed Zverev crashed out to Tallon Griekspoor and No. 4 seed Casper Ruud was defeated by Marcos Giron.

Britain’s Jack Draper is up against Jenson Brooksby next after a win over Brazilian wildcard Joao Fonseca.

Watch and stream the 2025 tennis season on discovery+

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