Lucky loser serves up desert defeat for Djokovic
Five-time Indian Wells Open champion Novak Djokovic was dumped out of the tournament at the first hurdle, capitulating against lucky loser for the second straight year, ths time Botic van der Zandschulp claiming a 6-2 3-6 6-2 victory.
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The Dutchman, who was on the other side of the net when Australia's Nick Kyrgios retired hurt in the first round, is making the most of his opportunity having lost to Matteo Gigante in qualifying but earning a spot in the main draw as a lucky loser.
Ironically, Gigante exited the tournament after losing in straight sets to home favourite Taylor Fritz earlier in the day. Fritz claimed that clash 6-3 7-5 without too much fuss.
Djokovic, the No.6 seed and former world No.1, appeared out of sorts and spent much of the first and second sets sending his frustrations verbally to his coach Andy Murray and the rest of his support team watching on.
Meanwhile, his opponent remained calm and composed as the Serbian handed him point after point courtesy of an uncharacteristic flood of unforced errors.
“I think I kept my cool during the whole match,” Van de Zandschulp said, and he most certainly did.
“The second set was very tough, he gained a big lead. But I think I did well turning it to 5-3 to get the momentum back a little bit.
"I think I started well, surviving one or two games in the third set, and then broke and turned it around.
"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.”
Van der Zandschulp will next face Francisco Cerundolo after the Argentinean won through his match against Mackenzir McDonald 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-1.
Djokovic is the latest big name to bow out of the tournament after No.1 seed Alexander Zverev was beaten yesterday and other seeds toppled on Sunday (AEDT).
No.7 seed Andrey Rublev was also sent packing in his match as Matteo Arnaldi claimed a stunning straight sets win 6-4 7-5 over the Russian.