Five-time champion Novak Djokovic was unexpectedly ousted from the Indian Wells ATP Masters on Saturday, losing his first match to lucky loser Botic van de Zandschulp.
Despite a strong start in the second set, Djokovic ultimately fell 6-2, 3-6, 6-1. This marks his earliest exit since losing to another lucky loser in the third round last year.
Djokovic’s 37 unforced errors played a significant role in his defeat. Van de Zandschulp has now secured his eighth victory over a top-10 opponent, earning back-to-back ATP victories for the first time this year.
In the Women’s category, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka began her 2025 BNP Paribas Open campaign with a victory over McCartney Kessler, winning 7-6 (4), 6-3. After a challenging Middle East Swing, Sabalenka relied on a strong serving performance to advance to the third round.
Kessler, a rising American star, put up a strong fight, but Sabalenka’s resilience and determination saw her through. She will face unseeded Italian Lucia Bronzetti in the next round.
