Upset exit! Djokovic unexpectedly crashes out at the Indian Wells Masters.

On March 9, Beijing time, the second round of the ATP1000 Indian Wells Masters delivered a shocker that sent ripples through the entire tennis world—Novak Djokovic, the legendary player with an unparalleled list of achievements, was eliminated in the first round after losing 1-2 to Botic van de Zandschulp in a thrilling three-set battle. This unexpected result undoubtedly became a major bombshell, sparking widespread excitement and intense debate among fans and within the tennis community.

Looking at the pre-match situation, Novak Djokovic's advancement should have been a near-certainty. Whether it was his world ranking or his impressive head-to-head record against his opponent, Djokovic clearly held the upper hand. After all, he’s a tennis superstar and a frequent Grand Slam champion, boasting not only vast match experience but also unparalleled strength on the court. Yet, that’s precisely what makes competitive sports so captivating—its inherent unpredictability, as the twists and turns on the court often catch everyone off guard.

The match unfolded with dramatic twists and turns, full of intense drama. In the first set, Van de Zandschulp was in sensational form, breaking his opponent's serve twice—in the third and fifth games—and cruising to a 6-2 victory. Meanwhile, Djokovic surprisingly failed to earn a single break point in that set, looking unusually sluggish and out of sorts. Perhaps spurred by the setback in the first set, Djokovic quickly regrouped in the second, delivering a powerful response by breaking back in the second and sixth games, eventually winning 6-3 to level the score. As fans watched, it seemed he was about to take control of the match—only to be proven wrong moments later.

However, the decisive set took a dramatic turn. Van de Zandschulp broke first in the fourth game, then capitalized on his momentum by holding serve again, taking a 4-1 lead. At this point, Djokovic seemed to crumble completely, losing all his composure and form. Ultimately, Van de Zandschulp closed out the set 6-1, clinching the match 2-1 overall and eliminating Djokovic from the tournament.

The early exit in his first match at this year's Indian Wells Masters has undoubtedly cast a shadow over Djokovic’s 2025 season. Approaching nearly 38 years old, every step he takes on the long and grueling journey of professional tennis is becoming increasingly challenging. What were once effortless victories now demand far more effort and determination to secure.

In the future, he will face even more challenges—whether he continues to edge ever closer to the pinnacle of his game or gradually approaches the twilight of his career, the outcome remains uncertain. Yet no matter what happens, this unexpected defeat will undoubtedly become a defining moment etched into tennis history, while Djokovic’s name is already destined to be immortalized in the annals of tennis lore, inspiring generations to come to look up to and admire him endlessly.