Alcaraz Advances Easily As Djokovic Falls At Indian Wells

Five-time champion Novak Djokovic suffered a shocking exit at the Indian Wells ATP Masters on Saturday, losing his opening match to lucky loser Botic van de Zandschulp. Meanwhile, two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz made a strong start to his title defence.

Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, committed 37 unforced errors in a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 defeat, admitting there were "no excuses" for his lacklustre performance.

"It doesn't feel great when you play this way on the court," Djokovic said. "But congratulations to my opponent-just a bad day in the office, I guess."

Van de Zandschulp has built a reputation for upsetting big names, having previously stunned Alcaraz at the US Open and beaten Rafael Nadal in what turned out to be the Spaniard's last Davis Cup match.

"I think I kept my cool during the whole match," the Dutchman said. "Against big players, if you lose your cool, it's going to be a tough day."