Novak Djokovic shares Andy Murray plan after Indian Wells exit as alarming admission made

The Serb crashed out of Indian Wells in his opening match on Saturday night.

Novak Djokovic has discussed his future working with Andy Murray (Image: ATP Media / Tennis TV)

Novak Djokovic has revealed he’ll sit down with Andy Murray to discuss the pair’s coaching partnership following the Serb’s early exit at Indian Wells. The all-time record Grand Slam winner lost his opening match of the tournament to qualifier Botic van de Zandschulp.

Despite coming up against one of the game’s greats, the Dutch outsider looked at ease throughout most of the contest and ran out a 2-6, 6-3, 1-6 victor. It marks Djokovic’s second consecutive opening match exit, having been beaten in straight sets by Matteo Berrettini at last month’s Qatar Open.

Djokovic’s dip in form has led to questions over the arrangement between himself and former player-turned-coach Murray. When quizzed on what his next step was, Djokovic replied: “Yeah. I mean, still haven’t talked with Andy and the team, so going to do that and make a plan.”

Prior to being dumped out of the tournament in Florida, Djokovic had suggested his partnership with Murray could continue well into the summer. He said: “I was very glad when he decided to keep going [after the Australian Open]. Indian Wells, Miami and most of the clay court season. We’re going to speak after Miami but I think the plan is to go to the end of Roland-Garros, hopefully Wimbledon as well.

Novak Djokovic was dumped out of Indian Wells after his first match (Image: Getty)

“I’m enjoying the relationship with Andy, I feel like we’re going through the process of getting to know each other on the court in a different way than we have known each other for 25 years. It’s obviously a new role for him, he’s exploring it… I like the way I played [in Australia]. In terms of the game, I think I played maybe the best tennis I played since the Olympics. I definitely contribute that to the work I had with Andy.”

Following his defeat to world No.86 Van de Zandschulp, Djokovic became the latest player, alongside Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz, to blast the Indian Wells organisers over the conditions of the tennis courts. Commenting on the bounce of the ball, the 37-year-old stated: “You know, I regret for the level of tennis, considering how I practice these days. To be honest, the difference between the centre court and the other courts is immense.

“Ball is bouncing on the center courts higher than some of the highest clay courts, to be honest. I just struggled a lot with that, couldn’t find the rhythm.”

On his performance, he alarmingly added: “You know, things are different obviously for me the last couple of years. I’ve been struggling to play on the desired level. Every now and then, I have couple good tournaments, but mostly it’s really a challenge. It’s a struggle for me. 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.”