Greatness! That's the word Novk Djokovic used to describe his compatriot's Nikola Jokic's incredible performance! Denver Nuggets defeated Phoenix Suns, and Jokic dropped NBA's first 30-20-20 performance!
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The Serb finished the duel with 31 points, 21 rebounds and 22 assists, producing the numbers never seen before. Novak congratulated his compatriot ahead of his first match in Indian Wells. Unlike Jokic, Djokovic did not enjoy a memorable week.
The Serb fell to a lucky loser Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 in the second round, experiencing his third consecutive defeat.
31 POINTS.
21 REBOUNDS.
22 ASSISTS.
THE FIRST-EVER 30+ PT, 20+ REB, 20+ AST GAME IN NBA HISTORY 🚨
NIKOLA JOKIĆ IS TRULY SOMETHING SPECIAL. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/I982bZePiF
— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2025
Botic claimed 21 points more than Novak and outplayed him on serve and return. Djokovic struggled behind the second serve and lost serve five times from eight chances presented to his opponent. Van de Zandschulp got broken two times in the second set.
He controlled the pace in the first and third for another notable victory. The Dutchman played at a high level and landed 26 winners and 25 unforced errors. The Serb sprayed 37 mistakes, mostly from his wayward forehand.
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Novak Djokovic & Nikola Jokic© Facebook - Novak Djokovic
The legend hit only 13 service winners and struggled to match the rival's pace from the baseline. Botic dominated the opening set. He served well and provided comfortable breaks in games three and five for 6-2 in half an hour.
Novak raised his level in the second set. He grabbed a break in the second game and delivered another in the sixth for a 5-1 advantage. Van de Zandschulp pulled one break back and reduced the gap to 5-3 before Djokovic held in game nine to force a decider.
Novak Djokovic, Indian Wells 2025© Stream screenshot
Botic served well in the final set and kept the pressure on the other side. He landed a lob winner in the fourth game for a break and a 3-1 advantage. A lucky loser held after deuces in game five for 4-1 and made another push on the return in the next one.
The Dutchman played a crafty winner at the net in the sixth game, providing another break and forging a 5-1 advantage. Botic held at 15 in game seven after Novak's forehand error, sealing the deal and sending the five-time champion packing.