24-time Grand Slam Champion suffered a shock defeat to ‘lucky loser’ Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round of Indian Wells. The Serb bounced back from losing the first set but eventually lost the match in three sets 6-2 3-6 6-1.
It was the second consecutive year he suffered the same fate at the event and follows a loss in his opening match at the Qatar Open. The former World No.1 is now on a three-match losing streak.
Top seed Alexander Zverev followed Djokovic out of the tournament, losing in three sets against Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.
Wimbledon Champion Carlos Alcaraz will now be regarded as one of the favourites to win the event. He continues his bid for glory against 27th seed Denis Shapovalov.
In the woman’s draw the World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka came through a tough encounter with American McCartney Kessler 7-6 (7-4) 6-3.