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

Novak Djokovic faced a surprising defeat at Indian Wells, losing to Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round. The 24-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged his poor performance, citing difficulty adapting to the newly resurfaced courts.

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 of Italy last year.

Novak Djokovic was shocked by Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2 3-6 6-1 in the second round of Indian Wells on Saturday as the Serbian suffered an early exit at the hands of a tournament lucky loser for a second consecutive year.

It was an unexpected result for Novak Djokovic, as the former World No. 1 fell to Botic van de Zandschulp in his 500th ATP Masters 1000 match.