Tennis

Novak Djokovic’s Loss At Indian Wells Is Not Surprising Or Alarming

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By
wendioliveros
Author photo
wendioliveros Sports Editor

Wendi Oliveros is a diehard tennis fan that is known to set her clock at ridiculous hours to watch live action especially during the Australian Open. She is known for indulging in strawberries and cream during Wimbledon and has watched the US Open live several times.

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Sports Editor

Published08 Mar 2025

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Novak Djokovic

Tennis fans need to relax. Novak Djokovic’s loss at Indian Wells should not surprise or alarm anyone.  Here are the reasons why.

1. Djokovic Is Coming Off An Injury

Very few people expected to see Novak Djokovic return to competitive tennis before the clay court season after he suffered a hamstring injury and was forced to retire from the Australian Open semifinals.

He recovered quicker than expected, but that does not mean he is 100% yet.  Djokovic needs match play to reach his personal best. Unfortunately, he is not getting that at Indian Wells, but hopefully, things are different in Miami.

2. Botic van de Zandschulp Has An Impressive Resume Against Top Players

Botic van de Zandschulp has a reputation for beating big players.  He has beaten Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and now Djokovic.  Somehow he plays his best tennis against these players realizing that he has nothing to lose by hitting freely.  Van de Zandsculp had the advantage of playing his previous match against Nick Kyrgios on the same court and get used to the conditions.

3. Djokovic Will Recover

Novak Djokovic was injured and had a difficult year in 2024 yet he still managed to win Olympic gold in Paris.  He has the skills, longevity, and determination to elevate his game when he has to.

His goal at this stage in his career is to win Grand Slams.  While earning an ATP 1000 tournament win would be great, it is not what drives him now.  These matches and tournaments help him to prepare for the Grand Slams.

We can revisit this discussion at the end of the 2025 season if Djokovic continues to struggle like he has early this year. There are two Grand Slams and seven months of tennis ahead.  That’s plenty of time for the 37-year-old legend and his equally legendary coach, Andy Murray, to pull everything together.