Djokovic was bidding to create extra historical past with a standalone report 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 under his excessive requirements, Djokovic made 37 unforced errors and solely hit 16 winners to mitigate the harm.
“Congratulations to my opponent. It was only a dangerous day within the workplace, I assume,” mentioned Djokovic, who has not gone past the third spherical in his previous 4 Indian Wells appearances.
It was the previous world primary’s second successive exit by the hands of a fortunate loser, having misplaced to Italy’s Luca Naldi final yr.
Djokovic’s return of serve – one of many hallmarks of his unparalleled success – was significantly poor towards Van de Zandschulp, who swamped the Serb’s second serve to transform 5 of eight break level alternatives.
He recovered from a poor begin and regarded as if he had settled down by rapidly levelling the match.
However extra “terrible” errors, which he put all the way down to a scarcity of rhythm attributable to increased bouncing balls on the recently-changed courts, allowed Van de Zandschulp to take management of the decider.
Even the return of Britain’s Andy Murray to his teaching workforce couldn’t stop a below-par efficiency.
The pair, who’re planning to go collectively to the Miami Open which follows Indian Wells, can be hoping Djokovic’s issues should not deep-rooted.
Time is clearly catching up with Djokovic, who turns 38 in Could, however his performances in Melbourne confirmed he can nonetheless beat most opponents if he’s totally match and motivated.
