Jack Draper started his Indian Wells title defence with a comeback victory, overcoming Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6 6-3 6-2. Draper, ranked 14 in the world, admitted he felt “a little bit underprepared” after being out for eight months with injury.
Cameron Norrie also progressed to the third round with a comfortable 6-2 6-3 win against American Mackenzie McDonald. Jacob Fearnley, however, lost 6-3 6-7 (8-10) 6-1 to American Taylor Fritz.
Draper Overcomes Rust After Injury Layoff
Draper, who had a bye in the first round, had only returned last week from bone bruising in his left serving arm. He started slowly before hitting back at the beginning of the second set.
Draper built a 5-2 lead in the third and saved three break points in the final game.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Draper expressed “mixed emotions”. He said that he had good memories from last year at Indian Wells, but also felt underprepared for the tournament. “I started a little slow, but then fought back hard and found some really good level towards the end. I can only go in one direction from here,” Draper added.
Key Moment in Draper’s Victory
Draper beat Holger Rune in last year’s final to lift his first Masters 1,000 trophy, but his breakout year was curtailed after reaching a world ranking of four. With a significant number of ranking points to defend, an early defeat at Indian Wells could have caused him to drop out of the top 30.
Draper said he has probably done more serving during his injury lay-off than at any other point in his career. However, it was not a weapon he was always able to rely on against Bautista Agut.
Draper’s fast start to the second set proved pivotal. Despite showing signs of rust, he won the decider comfortably.
Cerundolo Awaits Draper, Norrie to Face de Minaur
Draper’s next opponent is Francisco Cerundolo, who has won both of their previous meetings. Cerundolo is strongest on clay, and clay-courters often thrive in Indian Wells due to the gritty surface which can slow the ball down and cause a higher bounce.
Norrie, who won the Indian Wells title in 2021, will play Australian world number six Alex de Minaur in the last 32.
Norrie said, “I have been having an amazing preparation. I got here with time – a lot of time – so I’ve been practising really really well against all types of players, and the weather’s been unreal, so good vibes all around.”
Alcaraz and Djokovic Progress
World number one Carlos Alcaraz defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-3, while Novak Djokovic beat Kamil Majchrzak 4-6 6-1 6-2 to also reach the third round.
Spaniard Alcaraz won the Australian Open this year to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam and has won all 13 of his matches in 2026.
With a significant number of ranking points to defend, an early defeat at Indian Wells could have caused Draper to drop out of the top 30.