Call it double delight for the Dutch at the BNP Paribas Open.

A day after Tallon Griekspoor knocked out top-seed Alexander Zverev, Botic van de Zandschulp upset Novak Djokovic 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 to add to his ever growing giant killing reputation.

Van de Zandschulp became the second lucky loser in a row to beat Djokovic at Indian Wells, following in the footsteps of Luca Nardi 12 months ago. Van de Zandschulp owns a heftier reputation than the Italian, though. The 29-year-old beat Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal last season and collected a win over Djokovic’s pal, Nick Kyrgios, on Thursday at Stadium 1.

“I think I have a pretty variety in my game, so maybe that's what is bothering them,” said van de Zandschulp.

Even though Kyrgios retired in the second set, van de Zandschulp played some inspired tennis. When firing, his booming ground strokes, stellar movement and net play can trouble anyone. A sharp start from the World No. 85 combined with ragged play from Djokovic helped van de Zandschulp build a quick 5-1 lead.

Van de Zandschulp even won 13 straight points during one stretch.

While both hit four winners in the first, the 24-time Grand Slam champion made 14 unforced errors to his opponent’s five. A quick start from Djokovic in the second set turned things around.

 He made adjustments as he coped with the conditions, returning with his cap at a 45-degree angle with the sun in his eyes. Frustration was evident as the 37-year-old lost serve at 5-1.

 He put the set to bed in his next service game but van de Zandschulp said getting to 3-5 was important. “Second set was very tough,” he said in a TV interview. “He gained a pretty big lead. But I think I did well making it to 5-3, at least get the momentum a little bit back.”

Van de Zandschulp came out with renewed vigour in the third and broke for 3-1 with outstanding play. A reflex volley winner and fine defense got him to 0-30. Later, on his second break point in the game, he authored a backhand lob with Djokovic completely stranded.

 An insurance break came when van de Zandschulp chased a drop shot and slid his backhand cross court. A Djokovic errant forehand, his 37th unforced error, wrapped up the contest in exactly two hours.

“Just a bad day in the office, I guess, for me,” said Djokovic. “I regret for the level of tennis, considering how I practice these days. The difference between the center court and the other courts is immense. Ball is bouncing on the center courts higher than some of the highest clay courts.

“Yeah, just struggled a lot with that. Couldn't find the rhythm.”

Djokovic lost his third match in a row, which last happened in 2018 as part of an injury-hit season. He has dealt with injuries in 2025, too, hurting his hamstring at the Australian Open.

 He missed out on tying Nadal for the most match wins in Masters 1000 history, although the perennial record breaker already owns the most Masters titles.

 Saturday, though, belonged to the even tempered van de Zandschulp.

 “I think I kept my cool for the whole match,” he said. “I know beforehand if I go into the match and lose my cool, it’s going to be a really tough day. So yeah, that’s always one thing I’m trying to do well, especially against the big guys.”