Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has won the Indian Wells ATP Masters five times, suffered a surprising defeat in his opening match on Saturday, going down to lucky loser Botic van de Zandschulp, while reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz progressed to the next round.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic lost 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.
“No excuses for a poor performance,” the Serb said after the match. “It doesn’t feel great when you play this way on the court. But congratulations to my opponent — just a bad day in the office, I guess, for me.”
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Van de Zandschulp has established a notable record against the big guns.
His impressive victories include a remarkable win against Alcaraz at the US Open in the previous year, followed by a triumph over Rafael Nadal in Davis Cup, which turned out to be the Spanish legend’s final professional match.
“I think I kept my cool during the whole match,” said van de Zandschulp. “I know if I go into the match and lose my cool, especially against the big players, it’s going to be a really tough day. That’s always one thing I’m trying to do well.”
Djokovic reduced his unforced errors significantly in the second set, compared to his 14 mistakes in the first set and swiftly secured a service break, establishing a 3-0 advantage.
He celebrated with a fist pump after striking a powerful forehand winner to the corner, earning his first break opportunity of the contest.
Despite the intense exchanges continuing throughout, Djokovic’s visible signs of frustration emerged occasionally. Although he lost his serve while attempting to close out the set, he succeeded in his subsequent service game, delivering a powerful forehand winner to the baseline to make it an even contest.
But the momentum shift proved temporary. Zandschulp maintained consistent pressure through both baseline play and net approaches, as Djokovic’s error count increased steadily.
Zandschulp gained the upper hand with a break for 3-1, subsequently winning five consecutive games as Djokovic struggled to halt his opponent’s progress.
Djokovic exit followed a similar shock suffered by world number two Alexander Zverev and fourth-seeded Casper Ruud.
The tournament’s landscape has shifted dramatically, with world number three Alcaraz emerging as the highest-ranked player remaining, particularly notable given world number one Jannik Sinner’s absence due to a three-month drugs suspension.
Alcaraz, pursuing a remarkable achievement of three consecutive Indian Wells titles – a feat only accomplished by Djokovic and Roger Federer – commenced his title defence impressively, defeating France’s Quentin Halys 6-4, 6-2.
The Spanish player secured an early advantage to claim the opening set, before establishing a commanding 4-0 lead in the second set with impressive serving.
His dominant display included seven aces and successful defence of the sole break point faced, concluding the match efficiently in 67 minutes.
“I was nervous at the beginning of the match,” he told a supportive crowd. “The first match is never easy so I was trying to be focused on my game.
“I just tried to be relaxed, as relaxed as I can. Can always be better, but I’m ready for the (next) round and excited.”
Australian Open winner Madison Keys began proceedings at the combined ATP Masters and WTA 1000 tournament, defeating Russia’s Anastasia Potapova 6-3, 6-0 in her first appearance since claiming her first Grand Slam title.
Her performance was sharp as she overcame Potapova in 63 minutes.
In other early contests, American players Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff progressed to the next round.
Fritz, who won the men’s title in 2022, beat Italian qualifier Matteo Gigante 7-5, 6-3, while Gauff — also seeded third in her section — secured a hard-fought 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/4) win against Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima.
