British rising star Jack Draper says it would be ‘amazing’ to reignite his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz after moving into the fourth round of Indian Wells for the first time in his career.
The world No.56 has set up a clash with the current US Open champion after beating Andy Murray 7-6(6), 6-2. He is the third player to have defeated Murray this season without dropping a set after Roberto Bautista Agut at the Australian Open and Daniil Medvedev at the Doha open. Draper produced a total of 31 winners against only 12 unforced errors and dropped his serve just once in the match.
“I’ve looked up to Andy since I was so young. I watched him win Wimbledon for the first time in 2013 and then I’ve had the opportunity to get to know him and practice with him often since 2019,” he said in tribute to his compatriot.
“He’s a really special person, a great champion, great human being and I’m privileged to play against him on this court.”
Draper has enjoyed a successful rise in the sport over the past 18 months and has been ranked as high as 38th in the world. Last year he achieved a new career-high 22 times and reached his first ATP semi-final in Eastbourne. He has also previously beaten Stefanos Tsitsipas and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
However, the Brit acknowledges that there is still room for plenty of improvement in his game. He is yet to win a Tour match after losing the first set (0-16) and currently has a 1-5 record when it comes to deciding sets played.
“I want to keep on trying to impose my game and use my weapons,” Draper states.
“It’s not easy in these conditions. It’s quite slow tonight, the wind was a bit swirly and obviously playing against Andy, he makes it incredibly awkward for you. It’s something I’m looking to improve with my coach and it’s definitely starting to pay off a little bit more.”
Draper’s next test will be top seed Alcaraz who defeated Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(4), 6-3, in his third round match. It will be the second meeting between the two young guns after last year’s Swiss Indoors when the Spaniard prevailed in a tightly contested three-set encounter.
“Carlos is another level up, he’s been No 1 in the world, had an exceptional year last year, so it would be amazing to play him again in another real battle.” Said Draper.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz is not underestimating the threat he faces against Draper in Indian Wells. The Spaniard has a shot of reclaiming the world No.1 spot but has to win the title to do so.
“I know he’s a really good player. He’s playing well. He has beaten great opponents like (Dan) Evans and Andy (Murray). I know that I’m gonna have to play my best, give my 100% on the court,” Alcaraz said during his press conference.
“It’s gonna be a really tough match and I am gonna enjoy it.”
Draper’s clash with Alcaraz is the first evening match to take place at Stadium 1 on Tuesday.
