Novak’s Indian Wells marketing campaign ended unexpectedly early, as he suffered a second-round defeat in his first match on the event.
Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, ranked eighty fifth on this planet, pulled off a serious upset, defeating the five-time champion 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.
Novak struggled to search out his rhythm, with inconsistency plaguing his recreation, significantly within the first and third units. A excessive variety of unforced errors prevented him from settling in, finally proving pricey in his bid to achieve the following spherical.
The 24-time Grand Slam titlist was properly under his finest within the opening set, and Van de Zandschulp took full benefit. In simply 31 minutes, Novak had 14 unforced errors, whereas his rival dedicated solely 5. Dictating the rallies with confidence, the Dutchman broke within the third and fifth video games for 6-2, leaving the sixth seed with simply 13 factors received.
The Serbian star raised his degree within the second set, taking management. He broke twice to surge forward 5-1. Though Van de Zandschulp managed to interrupt again as soon as, Novak remained composed and closed out the set 6-3 to pressure a decider.
Nonetheless, the momentum swung again to the Dutchman within the deciding remaining set. Van de Zandschulp transformed his break level possibilities twice extra and saved his composure to seal the match in model.
Coming into the principle draw as a “fortunate loser,” Van de Zandschulp made essentially the most of his alternative, scoring one of many greatest wins of his profession after two hours and two minutes of play.
Novak will look to bounce again on the Miami Open, the second Masters 1000 occasion of the 2025 season, scheduled to happen from March 19 to March 30.
Picture: Profimedia
