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

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Novak Djokovic has lost his only match at Indian Wells this year after being beaten by lucky loser Botic van de Zandschulp.

Djokovic is a five-time Indian Wells champion and was bidding to make history with a sixth title this year.

It had been a mixed start to the season for the 37-year-old, with Djokovic losing to Matteo Berrettini at the Qatar Open in his last match before Indian Wells.

Concerns were raised for Djokovic after he was seen limping at the Doha airport, with it being suggested that a previous injury had returned.

However, after returned to training Djokovic was predicted to impress at Indian Wells with his opening match against the aforementioned Dutchman.

Novak Djokovic comments on the court conditions at Indian Wells

With Djokovic reuniting with coach Andy Murray at Indian Wells, there was a lot of intrigue about how the Serbian would perform at the first ATP Masters 1000 of the year.

Despite this, the 24-time Grand Slam champion was beaten by lucky loser Van de Zandschulp to lose three consecutive matches for the first time since March 2018.

Djokovic went to his press conference and was asked about whether he had any stomach concerns after appearing to feel discomfort during the match.

Although he played these concerns down, Djokovic did have something to say about the Indian Wells courts and claimed that he thought Stadium court played more like a clay court.

“I mean, it’s always something happening, but I don’t want to talk about it,” said Djokovic. “I mean, obviously no excuses for a poor performance. Just it doesn’t feel great when you play this way on the court, but congratulations to my opponent. You know, just a bad day in the office, I guess, for me.

“You know, I regret for the level of tennis, considering how I practice these days. To be honest, the difference between the center court and the other courts is immense. Ball is bouncing on the center courts higher than some of the highest clay courts, to be honest. Yeah, just struggled a lot with that. Couldn’t find the rhythm.”

Courts have been a big topic of conversation this year, with Indian Wells making a significant change after 25 years.

Aryna Sabalenka responds to Novak Djokovic’s claim about Indian Wells courts

WTA world number one Aryna Sabalenka followed Djokovic on Stadium Court, and was able to beat McCartney Kessler in straight sets.

While Sabalenka was wary that the conditions in their respective matches were different, as she played in the evening session, the Belarusian did note that Center Courts are often different to other courts.

“I think we were playing in different conditions, I’d say, and also probably played super-aggressive tennis,” Sabalenka said in her post-match press conference. “Yeah, but on the kick serve, the ball bounces much higher.

“But I’d say that usually on every tournament the center court is a bit different than the rest of the courts. It’s a bit slower, I’d say. I’d say that here outside courts are slightly faster than the center court.

“Yeah, there is definitely, like, some questionable parts of the court where the ball doesn’t bounce at all or the ball goes really high up.”

Sabalenka loved the new courts at Indian Wells prior to playing her first match, and will now move onto her third round match against Lucia Bronzetti.