Djokovic Accepts His Struggle

Defeated Serbian ace admits his level has dropped, but he is trying to deal with it

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INDIAN WELLS - Five-time champion Novak Djokovic crashed out in his Indian Wells opener on March 8, just the latest proof that "things are different" now for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

Djokovic had 37 unforced errors and was helpless as Dutch lucky loser Botic van de Zandschulp won the last five games to triumph 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.

The Serbian star had hoped that the addition of old rival Andy Murray as his coach would help him go deep into a tournament he last won in 2016.

Instead, it was an earlier exit than his third-round loss to lucky loser Luca Nardi in 2024.

"You know, things are different obviously for me the last couple of years," the 37-year-old said.

"I've been struggling to play at the desired level. Every now and then, I have a couple of good tournaments, but, you know, mostly it's really a challenge. It's a struggle for me.

"So it is what it is. I guess nothing can prepare you for that moment, in a sense. You have to experience it and try to deal with it in the best possible way."

Forced out of the Australian Open semi-finals with a hamstring injury, Djokovic dropped his first match at his comeback event in Qatar in February.