Updated On: 10 March, 2025 07:41 AM IST | Indian Wells | AFP
Five-time champ Novak Djokovic admits being below par in early exit at Indian Wells; loses 2-6, 6-3, 1-6 to Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns to the Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp in Indian Wells on Saturday. PIC/Getty Images
Five-time champion Novak Djokovic crashed out in his Indian Wells ATP Masters opener on Saturday, just the latest proof that “things are different” now for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Djokovic had 37 unforced errors and was helpless as Dutch lucky loser Botic van de Zandschulp won the last five games to triumph 6-2, 3-6, 6-1. The Serbian star had hoped that the addition of old rival Andy Murray as his coach would help him go deep into a tournament he last won in 2016. Instead it was an earlier exit than his third-round loss to lucky loser Luca Nardi last year.