Botic van de Zandschlup spotted what Novak Djokovic was really ‘struggling’ with during their match at Indian Wells

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Botic van de Zandschulp has clinched another major win, with the Dutchman knocking Novak Djokovic out of Indian Wells.

Djokovic made his 16th Indian Wells appearance, but he failed to make it beyond Van de Zandschulp in his opener.

Serbian star Djokovic was playing his 500th ATP Masters 1000 match, where Van de Zandschulp adopted the role of the villain.

He edged past the Indian Wells sixth seed 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 in the round of 64, setting up a round of 32 meeting with Francisco Cerundolo.

It continues a superb record from Van de Zandschulp against star players, having beaten both Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal last year.

Botic van de Zandschlup thinks Novak Djokovic struggled with Indian Wells bounces

The 29-year-old is playing at Indian Wells as a lucky loser, while he set up a Djokovic clash when Nick Kyrgios retired hurt during their first round tie.

Discussing his latest shock in his post-match press conference, the victor said: “I think the conditions were pretty tough today.

READ MORE: Who is Novak Djokovic? Step inside the life of the 24-time Grand Slam champion

“I think the bounces were pretty high. I think he was struggling a little bit with the bounces. Not timing the ball that well.

“I think he was a lot of times with the forehand a little bit too high. The ball bounces pretty high if I play the second serve, for example.

“So, yeah, way different conditions than when I played him, I think I played him two years ago in Astana. Yeah, very tough conditions.

“Also, the sun wasn’t easy. At some point we had some shade and sun in the stadium. So, yeah, I think overall maybe I handled the conditions a little bit better today.”

Botic van de Zandschulp shares tactic he used to beat Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal

Van de Zandschulp has made it a habit of causing huge shocks at major tournaments, epitomised by his 2024 US Open win over Alcaraz.

He had just beaten Denis Shapovalov in straight sets in round one, and did the same against third seed Alcaraz in round two.

READ MORE: Novak Djokovic explains what was ‘immense’ about his shock exit from Indian Wells as he makes big claim about the courts

His dream run at Flushing Meadows was ended by eventual semi-finalist Jack Draper, but a huge Davis Cup win over Nadal was secured shortly after.

Asked what it is that brings out his best against big-time players after his win over Djokovic, he told Tennis Channel: “Yeah, it’s funny, you know, they always bring out my best, because I know if I’m not doing it, then the other guy is doing it.

“So, for example, when I played Carlos in the US Open, I knew I had to play forward, I had to play to the net.

“I think I came like 40, 50 times at the net, and won unbelievable, yeah, many points. But I know, like, if I stay back and he’s going to dictate the game, then it’s going to be almost impossible.

“Like I can run back and forth, sideways, but I think against those guys, you have to play forward, otherwise you have no chance.”