Britain’s Jack Draper fought back to stun Novak Djokovic and maintain his Indian Wells title defense after a thrilling victory.
Draper survived a nail-biting match that lasted more than two-and-a-half hours in a decisive tiebreaker, winning 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) and defeating Djokovic for the first time in his career.
The 24-year-old will face Daniil Medvedev in the last eight on Thursday night, live on Sky Sports Tennis at midnight, before compatriot Cameron Norrie takes on Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday night.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” Draper said. He only returned to the ATP Tour in late February after an eight-month absence due to injury.
“I’m playing here against Novak, who for me is the greatest tennis player and someone I’ve looked up to and watched since I was a kid.
“So, I was incredibly proud of myself to be able to do that. It gives me a lot of confidence. I still don’t feel like I’m playing close to how I want to play.”
“We came out here tonight with determination, problem-solving, trying our best and winning the game with a great attitude.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Jack Draper expresses confidence in victory over Novak Djokovic and recovery from injury
How Draper came back to beat Djokovic
Djokovic took a hard-fought first set 6-4, but Draper answered with his second break point in the first game of the second set.
Once the Serbian broke back, Draper was down 40-0 to deuce in the eighth game and seemed to struggle until he finally held.
Next down the line, a strong forehand winner gave Draper three break points at 0-40, and Djokovic netted to break the first break point. Djokovic refused to roll over and saved two set points until the ace finally tied the score with the left-hander.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Novak Djokovic was left lying on the floor after an incredible 26-shot rally with Jack Draper at Indian Wells
Djokovic began to look exhausted in the deciding match, with a number of grueling points taking their toll. After holding serve in an enthralling opening game that featured a 26-shot rally, he found himself trailing 30-0 in his next service game before Draper had another long exchange and earned two break points.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion always leaned on his racquet between points as Draper broke, but the Englishman served for a match with a wild backhand wide, double-faulted, sent a meek dropshot into the net, and was denied a second break point by Djokovic’s masterful dropshot.
Djokovic gave Draper his first match point with a long backhand in the tiebreak, then netted the backhand to give Draper one of the most important wins of his career.
“I’m a little overwhelmed. After going through hell with my arm injury, just being here at Indian Wells is a blessing,” Draper told Sky Sports Tennis.
“I still feel like I’m struggling to play the way I want to play. I’m struggling with confidence in my game. I’m trying to work things out and be more aggressive. I’ve been waiting for him to miss so many times.”
“I picked it up a little bit in the second and third sets. I tried to put more pace on the ball, but Novak isn’t the guy who just gives you the ball. I had a lot of will and determination, so I hope I can get better from here.”
Kartal retires due to back problem after fight against Rybakina
Earlier, England’s Sonai Kartal finally succumbed to her ongoing back injury during her Indian Wells appearance in the last 16 against Elena Rybakina.
Britain’s No. 2 player defied back pain and achieved impressive wins over Emma Navarro and Madison Keys, but despite competing against the world’s No. 3 player, he withdrew with a 6-4 lead, 4 draws, and 3 draws.
Kartal was broken in the third game of the match, going down two breaks after video replay showed the top made contact with the net at the break point in the fifth game.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of Sonai Kartal vs. Elena Rybakina at Indian Wells
But Kartal, despite needing physical therapy between matches, rallied to break back and put pressure on Rybakina’s serve, allowing Kazakhstan to hold and take the first set.
The second set was a battle of serves, but Kartal, holding a break point at 3-3, stretched for the return and headed to the net for a handshake, clearly uncomfortable.
“It definitely didn’t end the way I wanted it to end. Of course I wish (her) a speedy recovery,” said Rybakina, the reigning Australian Open champion.
“It’s not easy to get injured like this. It was just a tough game. I’m glad I was able to move on to the next game.”
Watch Sunday’s final of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells this week live on Sky Sports. Stream tennis now with no contract required.
