Djokovic was bidding to create extra historical past with a standalone document sixth males’s title in Indian Wells.
However, having been given a first-round bye, he fell in his opening match after producing a string of ugly errors.
In a efficiency properly beneath his excessive requirements, Djokovic made 37 unforced errors and solely hit 16 winners to mitigate the injury.
“Congratulations to my opponent. It was only a dangerous day within the workplace, I suppose,” stated Djokovic, who has not gone past the third spherical in his previous 4 Indian Wells appearances.
After shedding to Italy’s Luca Naldi final 12 months, it was the previous world primary’s second successive exit by the hands of a fortunate loser.
Djokovic’s return of serve – one of many hallmarks of his unparalleled success – was notably poor in opposition to Van de Zandschulp, who swamped the Serb’s second serve to transform 5 of eight break level alternatives.
Having recovered from a poor begin, it appeared as if Djokovic had settled down as he shortly levelled the match.
However extra errors, which he described as “terrible”, allowed Van de Zandschulp to take management of the decider.
Even the return of Britain’s Andy Murray to his teaching staff couldn’t forestall a below-par efficiency.
The pair, who’re planning to go collectively to the Miami Open which follows Indian Wells, shall be hoping Djokovic’s issues will not be deep-rooted.
Time is clearly catching up with Djokovic, who turns 38 in Might, however his performances in Melbourne confirmed he can nonetheless beat most opponents if he’s totally match and motivated.
