Botic van de Zandschulp delivered a stunning performance at the Indian Wells ATP Masters, defeating five-time champion Novak Djokovic in a thrilling three-set match. The Dutch player, ranked 85th in the ATP standings, showcased remarkable composure and tactical brilliance to secure a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory. This win marked his eighth career triumph over a top-10 opponent and highlighted his ability to rise to the occasion against formidable adversaries.
Van de Zandschulp attributed his success to maintaining his composure throughout the match. He emphasized the importance of staying calm, especially when facing high-pressure situations against a player of Djokovic’s caliber. His strategy involved a mix of baseline consistency and aggressive net play, which kept Djokovic on the defensive and forced errors. The Dutchman capitalized on Djokovic’s uncharacteristic 37 unforced errors, particularly in the first and third sets, to gain a decisive edge.
The match saw Djokovic struggle to find his rhythm, with a shaky start in the opening set. Although he managed to rally in the second set, showcasing his trademark resilience and precision, Van de Zandschulp’s relentless pressure in the final set proved too much for the Serbian star. The Dutch player broke Djokovic’s serve multiple times in the third set, sealing the victory with a commanding performance.
This victory is a testament to Van de Zandschulp’s growing confidence and ability to compete at the highest level. It also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of tennis, where even the most accomplished players can face challenges from determined underdogs. Van de Zandschulp’s achievement at Indian Wells will undoubtedly inspire his future endeavors on the ATP Tour.
Van De Zandschulp in Indian Wells, ranking, and results in 2025
LWWLWLWLWW Ranked no.85, Van De Zandschulp has achieved a 7-8 record in 2025. The Dutch is now having a run in Indian Wells where he ousted the world no.147 Lukas Klein 5-7 6-3 6-3, the world no.217 Matteo Gigante 7-5 6-0, Nick Kyrgios 7-6(7) 3-0 ret. and the world no.7 Novak Djokovic 6-2 3-6 6-1.
Botic Van De Zandschulp will play the world no.26 Francisco Cerundolo in the 3rd round. In the past, they have never competed against each other so far on the main tour.
Van De Zandschulp is scheduled to compete next in Cap Cana Challenger (Cap Cana Challenger). He will begin to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 1st of January.
Novak Djokovic in 2025
LLLWWWWWLW At the moment ranked no.7, Novak played his last match on the 8th of March when he lost to world no.85 Botic Van De Zandschulp 6-2 3-6 6-1 in the 2nd round in Indian Wells (draw).
Presently, during this year Djokovic has managed to achieve an overall 7-4 match record. Novak Djokovic’s best result of the current season was reaching the semifinal at the Australian Open.
He is also scheduled to play in Miami (Miami Open) on the 19th of March and () on the 29th of December.
Botic Van De Zandschulp and Novak Djokovic squared off only twice. Their head to head is 1-1.
