Novak Djokovic has continued his losing streak after being beaten by Botic van de Zandschulp in his only match at Indian Wells this year.
Djokovic was left surprised by the courts at Indian Wells this year, suggesting that they felt more like clay courts.
There has been a big change at Indian Wells this year, with the tournament changing the surface for the first time in 25 years.
This change has split opinion, with two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz unsure of Indian Wells’ decision.
While the courts appear to be a big topic of conversation at Indian Wells this year, Djokovic has made unwanted history that dates back to before they were altered.
Novak Djokovic makes unwanted history after Indian Wells loss
Although Van de Zandschulp is through to the third round of Indian Wells, the Dutchman has already suffered a loss at the Masters 1000 tournament this year.
As the world number 85, Van de Zandschulp had to play in the qualifying competition as the third seed.
After losing in the final qualifying round to Matteo Gigante, Van de Zandschulp’s Indian Wells run appeared to be over.
However, following the withdrawal of Facundo Diaz Acosta, Van de Zandschulp was handed a lifeline as a lucky loser.
Van de Zandschulp, who beat Rafael Nadal in his final ever match last year, has since taken full advantage of this late substitution.
This includes Van de Zandschulp beating Nick Kyrgios in his first round match, before beating Djokovic in three sets.
As a result, Djokovic has lost to a lucky loser at Indian Wells in back-to-back years at Indian Wells, after also being beaten by Luca Nardi last year.
Djokovic is the first top 10 player in history to do this, with his only other career loss to a lucky loser coming at the 2020 Vienna Open to Lorenzo Sonego.
Novak Djokovic explains what went wrong against Botic van de Zandschulp
Having now lost three consecutive matches, dating back to Djokovic’s retirement against Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open, concern is starting to arise for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
When asked about what he thought went wrong against Van de Zandschulp, Djokovic admitted that he made some ‘awful mistakes’ after hitting 37 unforced errors.
“Yeah, the first three games, four games of the third set were quite close,” Djokovic said in his post-match press conference. “Had my chances. Was just some awful mistakes. I thought I was on most of these points in the beginning of the third.
“Yeah, just, I don’t know, when I reflect on this match, obviously I’ll see a little bit more what, you know, I could have done more, but I think I — he played, I think, some really good points to break my serve. But just, yeah, just putting myself in that position, I shouldn’t allow myself to do that.”
The world number seven is now scheduled to head to the Miami Open, with Djokovic being joined by coach Andy Murray once again.
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