Alexander Zverev’s hopes of becoming the men’s world No. 1 suffered a blow on Friday as he crashed out of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells in the second round following a shock defeat to Tallon Griekspoor.

That’s Zverev right now, who lost to Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands, 4-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4) in his first match at Indian Wells — as the top seed no less — on Friday.

In his debut at the BNP Paribas Open, Alexander Zverev had a disappointing performance and was eliminated by Tallon Griekspoor, prompting a brutally honest confession from the German tennis player.

ATP World No. 2 admitted to playing "terrible" after losing to Tallon Griekspoor in his first match at Indian Wells.

The win was just Griekspoor's second in eight matches against Zverev, and the first time Griekspoor has beaten a player ranked in the top 5. For Zverev, he becomes the first No. 1 seed to lose his opening match at the BNP Paribas Open since Andy Murray fell to 2017 to Vasek Pospisil 6-4, 7-6 (5).

Alexander Zverev crashed out in his opening match at Indian Wells on Thursday. After serving for the match against Tallon Griekspoor in set two, the top seed suffered a huge collapse and was dragged into a decider where Griekspoor came out on top, 4-6 7-6 (5) 7-6 (4).

Alexander Zverev's season is taking a very negative direction after his defeat to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final. The world number 2 – who dreamed of winning his first Major title at Melbourne Park – is still suffering from that clear defeat on the iconic Rod Laver Arena and has not yet recovered.

Top seed Alexander Zverev will start his Indian Wells Open 2025 campaign against Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, who recently beat Daniil Medvedev in Dubai.

World No. 43 Tallon Griekspoor upsets World No. 2 Alexander Zverev at the BNP Paribas Open in a three-set thriller.

Tallon Griekspoor went through an emotional and physical battle during his Indian Wells matchup against Alexander Zverev, with a little help from his team.