Novak Djokovic was shocked by Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2 3-6 6-1 within the second spherical of Indian Wells because the Serbian suffered an early exit by the hands of a fortunate loser for a second consecutive 12 months.
Djokovic fell to fortunate loser Luca Nardi of Italy within the California desert final 12 months and historical past repeated itself a day after prime seed Alexander Zverev additionally went out.
After his withdrawal from Australia, his loss within the opening match at Qatar Open and his gorgeous defeat to the Dutchman, Djokovic is now on a three-match dropping streak.
“You recognize, issues are totally different clearly for me the final couple of years,” mentioned Djovokic, who hit simply 16 winners to 37 unforced errors. “I have been struggling to play on the specified degree.
“Once in a while, I’ve a few good tournaments, however principally it is actually a problem. It is a battle for me.
“So it’s what it’s. I assume nothing can put together you for that second, in a way. It’s a must to expertise it and attempt to cope with it in the absolute best approach.”
The Serbian got here out flat in opposition to the match fortunate loser, who took full benefit of a blizzard of errors from the 24-time Grand Slam champion to seize the primary set.
Djokovic raised his degree to seize the second however Van de Zandschulp, who misplaced to Matteo Gigante 7-5 6-0 within the ultimate spherical of qualifying, refused to again down, working away with the decider earlier than the sold-out crowd.
The Indian Wells courts have been resurfaced this 12 months to make them extra consistent with the circumstances on the Miami Open and US Open and Djokovic mentioned he struggled to learn the bounce of the ball.
“Clearly no excuses for a poor efficiency,” he added. “It would not really feel nice once you play this manner on the court docket, however congratulations to my opponent. Only a unhealthy day within the workplace, I assume, for me.
“I remorse the extent of tennis contemplating how I apply lately.”
Discussing the court docket, he mentioned: “The distinction between the centre court docket and the opposite courts is immense.
“The ball is bouncing on the centre court docket larger than a few of the highest clay courts, to be trustworthy. Simply struggled so much with that. Could not discover the rhythm.”
Djokovic is having fun with his relationship with Murray, saying they pair are nonetheless attending to know one another otherwise and hopes his new coach will proceed to within the function all the way in which to Wimbledon
Djokovic mentioned he would wish to talk to rival-turned-coach Andy Murray earlier than deciding subsequent steps. Previous to his first match he mentioned he would play the second leg of the ‘Sunshine Double’ on the upcoming Miami Open.
“Nonetheless have not talked with Andy and the staff, so going to do this and make a plan,” he mentioned.
High seed Sabalenka examined
Highlights of Aryna Sabalenka in opposition to McCartney Kessler at Indian Wells
Within the WTA occasion, World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka edged out American McCartney Kessler 7-6 (7-4) 6-3.
The Belarusian was in full command of her formidable serve and by no means confronted a break level whereas crushing six aces and profitable 90 per cent of her first serve factors.
She sealed the win with a pair of deft backhand volleys on match level to arrange a gathering with unseeded Italian Lucia Bronzetti within the third spherical on Monday.
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