Britain’s Jack Draper fought back to beat Novak Djokovic and reach the Indian Wells quarter-finals. Draper believes the result could be “a real big moment” in his season. The defending champion regrouped to beat Djokovic 4-6 6-4 7-6 (7-5) in a “real physical battle” lasting two hours and 35 minutes.
Draper’s Comeback After Injury
The victory is an important one for Draper as he rebuilds after an eight-month spell plagued with an arm injury. Draper, who is playing only his second ATP Tour event of the season, told BBC Sport, “To beat Novak is something that is mind-blowing.”
“I’ve watched him since I was a kid, idolising him. Unbelievable respect for the player that he is.
“I still want to play better, and feel better on the court, but I think for how long I have had off the court to come here and play three tough matches already and play that one, it’s huge for me.
“It’s something I will probably look back on in a few months and think this is a real big moment for me.”
How Draper Secured the Win
Djokovic won 87% of points on his serve as he clinched the opening set. Draper levelled to force a decider. Djokovic won a gruelling 26-shot rally in the opening game at 30-30 on the Serb’s serve.
Draper broke his rival’s next service game, but was broken back when serving for the match at 5-4 up, sending the match to a tie-break. Draper regrouped to advance and set up a quarter-final against Daniil Medvedev.
“It was a real physical battle, there were definitely a lot of ups and downs in the match,” said Draper, 24.
“To come through that match is something I will never forget.”
Djokovic’s Perspective
Djokovic believes he paid the price for the 26-shot rally. “It cost me a break after,” he said. “It was great winning that point in that game, but I just ran completely out of the gas.
“I got the crowd backing me and I felt the energy. It was, like, ‘maybe I’m going [to] take this one’.
“He is playing at a great level. Just, overall, a great player, great guy.”
- Draper lost an exhilarating 26-shot rally.
- He was broken back when serving for the match.
- Draper won one less point than Djokovic.
- He still came out on top.
Draper is joined in the last eight by fellow Briton Cameron Norrie, who will play world number one Carlos Alcaraz next.