Novak Djokovic has been sailing through uncharted territory since the beginning of 2024! The 24-time Major winner opened up after his Indian Wells defeat, admitting he has been struggling to find the desired form. In Djokovic's words, there's nothing to prepare you for those challenging times.
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However, the legend is ready to with his issues and do everything to raise his level and become competitive again. The Serb ended the 2023 season in glory, claiming three Major titles from four finals and securing the year-end no. 1 honor at 36.
However, things have not been that great for the most accomplished player of all time since last year. Novak reached one final at the previous five Majors and experienced a couple of setbacks with injuries.
The Serb is on a three-match losing streak for the first time since 2018. Djokovic retired against Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open semi-final. He then fell in the first round in Doha and Indian Wells for more dark clouds over his head.
The five-time champion in the desert faced a lucky loser Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round. The Dutchman scored a notable 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory in two hours and one minute. Novak played miles below his best and struggled to find the right shots on a bouncy court.
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He made a slow start and lost the ground in the decider for an early exit. Botic collected 21 points more than Novak, who could not find a solution after missing the first serve. Djokovic faced eight break points and got broken five times.
The Dutchman experienced two breaks in the second set and kept everything under control in the other two following a flawless performance behind the second serve. The Serb hit 16 winners and 37 unforced errors, missing too much from his forehand.
Botic performed at a high level and landed 26 winners and 25 unforced errors. He hit more service winners than the legend and toppled him from the baseline. Novak will try to improve his level at the Miami Masters in two weeks.
"Things have been different for me last couple of years. I have been struggling to compete on the desired level. I have had a couple of good tournaments, but it's mostly a challenge. Nothing can prepare you for that moment.
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You must experience it and try to deal with it in the best possible way," Novak Djokovic said.
