Jack Draper set to face Novak Djokovic in Indian Wells as injury comeback continues
Jack Draper secured an impressive straight-sets triumph over Francisco Cerundolo at Indian Wells, booking a fourth-round encounter with Novak Djokovic.
The 24-year-old British player prevailed 6-1, 7-5 in a match that saw him dominate the opening set before facing a stern examination in the second.
This victory represents a significant milestone for Draper, who has now claimed consecutive wins at the same event for the first time since Queen’s Club last June.
The Argentine’s usually formidable forehand proved unreliable, producing over 20 unforced errors, while Draper showcased his own power with a stunning 110mph forehand winner during the first set.
Draper’s return to competitive tennis follows an eight-month spell on the sidelines caused by a bone bruise to his left humerus.
The injury derailed what had been a breakthrough 2025 season, during which he captured the Indian Wells title, where he defeated Carlos Alcaraz en route to the final.
Between Wimbledon and the Davis Cup earlier this year, the Briton managed just a single singles match.
His comeback began with a carefully managed schedule in Dubai last week, before he arrived in California.
Jack Draper secured an impressive straight-sets triumph over Francisco Cerundolo at Indian Wells
|
GETTY
Draper told Sky Sports: “I’m only just getting to the point where I’m playing without pain in my arm, so it’s not easy to feel really confident.
“I’ve got to accept that my tennis isn’t going to be completely there for a while.”
Draper holds his upcoming opponent in the highest regard, describing the Serbian as the finest player the sport has witnessed.
He said: “I’ve been watching him since I was a young boy and in my opinion he’s the greatest player of all time.”
Novak Djokovic survived an Indian Wells scare this weekend | GETTYThe pair have not met since Draper’s Wimbledon debut in 2021, when the then-teenager claimed the opening set against the defending champion.
Djokovic progressed to the fourth round at Indian Wells for the first time since 2017 following a hard-fought 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 victory over Aleksandar Kovacevic.
Draper acknowledged he must elevate his performance for the rematch.
Cameron Norrie enjoyed an excellent day for British tennis, defeating world number six Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-4 to reach the fourth round.
Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PAThe former Indian Wells champion will next face Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata, who caused an upset by eliminating 10th seed Alexander Bublik.
In the women’s draw, Sonay Kartal maintained British momentum with a gutsy comeback against 15th seed Madison Keys.
The former Australian Open champion seized the opening set 6-2, but Britain’s number two responded superbly, taking the following two sets 6-2, 6-3 in just under two hours.
Kartal now faces the current Australian Open champion, Elena Rybakina, in the last 16.
