Can Novak Djokovic defy age and injuries? A former ATP star warns of looming ‘tennis death’ as the Serbian legend battles Father Time at Indian Wells.

It was an unexpected result for Novak Djokovic, as the former World No. 1 fell to Botic van de Zandschulp in his 500th ATP Masters 1000 match.

Following a round 1 elimination in Qatar, Novak Djokovic suffered yet another early exit in an ATP tournament. Djokovic lost to 85th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp on Sunday to crash out if the Indian Wells in the round of 64 phase of the competition.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion – who had to retire during the semi-final against Sascha Zverev at Melbourne Park – will try to win Roland Garros in the spring, but it is clear to everyone that the Major tournament in which he has the best chance is Wimbledon.

Novak Djokovic will be hoping to get a positive result in Indian Wells, where he has struggled a lot to play his best tennis in recent years. The former world number 1 had been eliminated by Luca Nardi in the last edition,

During his pre-tournament press conference, the current world No.7 used the opportunity to pay tribute to legendary Australian player Fred Stolle (who died on Thursday at the age of 86): "I would like to send my condolences to his family. It's never good news when a legend of our sport leaves us.