Britain’s Jack Draper produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Novak Djokovic and book a place in the quarter-finals at the Indian Wells.
The defending champion recovered strongly after losing the opening set to secure a 4–6 6–4 7–6 (7–5) victory over the 24-time Grand Slam winner in a gripping contest lasting two hours and 35 minutes.
Djokovic, a five-time champion at the Californian tournament, had previously beaten Draper in their only earlier meeting at Wimbledon Championships in 2021. This time, however, the British player turned the tables in a physically demanding battle.
The win is particularly significant for Draper as he continues his return following an eight-month period disrupted by an arm injury.
Jack Draper Reflects On ‘Mind-Blowing’ Victory Over Novak Djokovic
“To beat Novak is something that is mind-blowing,” Draper, who is playing only his second ATP Tour event of the season, told BBC Sport.
“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.”
World number 14 Draper is joined in the last eight by fellow Briton Cameron Norrie, who will face world number one Carlos Alcaraz next.
Gruelling Rally And Dramatic Tie-Break Seal Indian Wells Thriller
Djokovic, runner-up to Alcaraz at January’s Australian Open, dominated early on his serve and won 87% of points behind it to secure the opening set.
Draper responded strongly in the second, levelling the match as the intensity increased. A demanding 26-shot rally early in the deciding set proved to be a defining moment.
The Briton broke Djokovic’s serve soon afterwards and appeared to be in control, but nerves crept in when he served for the match at 5–4 and was broken back, forcing a tie-break.
Draper gathered himself once again and edged the tie-break to clinch the win, setting up a quarter-final clash with former world number one Daniil Medvedev.
“It was a real physical battle, there were definitely a lot of ups and downs in the match,” Draper, 24, said.
“To come through that match is something I will never forget.”
Novak Djokovic Admits Physical Toll Of Epic Rally
Djokovic, playing his first tournament since reaching the final of the Australian Open, admitted the long rally in the deciding set had taken its toll.
“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.”
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Despite losing an extraordinary 26-shot rally and winning one point fewer overall than Djokovic, Draper still emerged victorious in a contest filled with drop shots, lobs and powerful exchanges.
Both players were visibly exhausted before the final point, which sealed Draper’s memorable win.
For the first time since returning to the tour, Draper will now face matches on back-to-back days. Whatever happens against Medvedev, the victory represents a major personal milestone and serves as a reminder to the world’s best players of the threat he can pose.
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