Novak Djokovic confessed his struggles after a loss at Indian Wells marked just the second time he has suffered three successive defeats since 2008.
The seventh seed lost 6-2 3-6 6-1 against world number 85 Botic van de Zandschulp, who lost in qualifying but still made it to the main draw as a lucky loser.
Djokovic previously lost against Alexander Zverev (retiring due to a thigh injury) at the Australian Open and Matteo Berrettini in Qatar.
An unusual circumstance which comes as a surprise considering his excellent four-set quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open.
Reflecting on the match, the Serbian said: “The first three games, four games of the third set were quite close.
“I had my chances. It was just some awful mistakes. I thought I was on most of these points in the beginning of the third.
“When I reflect on this match, obviously I’ll see a little bit more about what I could have done more, but he played some really good points to break my serve. But just putting myself in that position, I shouldn’t allow myself to do that.”
The Dutchman during the midpoint of the first set won 18 of 19 points and errors began to pile up for Djokovic.
It seemed as if Djokovic was ready to up the gears and never look back after his 5-1 lead during the second set but it was a short ran hot streak.
His poor form arguably could be traced back to last season, although he finally won an Olympic Gold in 2024 it was the first year he failed to win a major since 2017.
“You know, I regret for the level of tennis, considering how I practice these days”, said Djokovic.
He joined Zverev and Alcaraz in complaining about the conditions of the Indian Wells court surfaces. He said: “To be honest, the difference between the center court and the other courts is immense.
“The ball is bouncing on the center courts higher than some of the highest clay courts to be honest.
“I just struggled a lot with that, and couldn’t find the rhythm.”
The 24-time Grand Slam winner will be aiming to make an epic comeback at the French Open in May but self doubt has begun to creep in.
“You know, things have obviously been different for me the last couple of years. I’ve been struggling to play on the desired level,” he added.
“Every now and then, I have a couple good tournaments, but mostly it’s really a challenge. It’s a struggle for me.
“I guess nothing can prepare you for that moment, in a sense. You have to experience it and try to deal with it in the best possible way.”
Aged 37 it is a testament to Djokovic’s greatness that he is still playing at such a high level, especially when his closest competitors Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are both retired.
