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

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 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.

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.