Novak Djokovic has suffered back-to-back second-round exits at the Indian Wells Masters 1000 to equal his worst run of form in seven years.
The five-time winner clawed back in the second set against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp before going down 2-6 6-3 1-6, stretching two minutes past the two-hour mark.
Djokovic's level was low throughout the opening set, hitting 14 unforced errors, four winners and conceding 13 straight points.
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For the second consecutive Indian Wells campaign, Djokovic has been eliminated by Lucky Losers, with Italy's Luca Nardi reigning victorious 12 months ago.
Despite losing his final qualifying round, van de Zandschulp entered the main draw due to a late withdrawal, seizing his opportunity to take out Nick Kyrgios and Djokovic.
The surprise result marks the first time Djokovic has lost three straight matches since 2018 when he lost in fourth-round of the Australian Open, as well as the sunshine double of Indian Wells and Miami.
"You know, things are different obviously for me the last couple of years. I've been struggling to play on the desired level," said the sixth-seed after being dumped out of Indian Wells. "Every now and then, I have [a] 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."
The 24-time major winner hasn't been on the receiving end of four straight defeats since 2007 when he accumulated five losses on the bounce.
Djokovic, 37, was forced to retire after the first set of his Australian Open semi-final earlier this year due to a hamstring tear. He made his comeback in Qatar last month where he bowed out to Matteo Berrettini.
It remains to be seen whether the former world No.1 will travel to Miami for the second Masters event for 2025 later this month following his decision to skip last year's edition to prepare for the clay court swing.
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