Indian Wells 2026: Novak Djokovic was defeat by defending champion Jack Draper on Wednesday won by 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) to reach the quarter-finals at Indian Wells.
Jack Draper smashed the 38-year-old Serbian superstar in a physical third set, denying Novak Djokovic in his first return to the quarterfinals since the last of his five Indian Wells titles in 2016.
The 24-year-old young Draper did it the hard way, wearing down 38-year-old Djokovic in a punishing third set to defeat the Serbian star. In his first return to the quarter-finals since he won his fifth Indian Wells title in 2016.
The first two sets were decided by the finest of margins. The turning point came while a remarkable rally in the opening game of the third set. Both players chased down drop shots and scrambled to return lobs before Djokovic finished the point with a powerful overhead to take a 40–30 lead.
BNP Paribas Masters Past Winners:
Exhausted, he collapsed onto the court and was back on his knees moments later after Draper claimed the following next point. Djokovic eventually held his serve, later saying that moment proved to be the key turning point on this match.
Draper playing his second tournament since he missing the better part of six months with an arm injury and it was delighted. He broke Djokovic in his next service game, but he couldn’t close it out while he served for the match at 5-4.
Jack Draper said,
“Actually I came out here tonight and I won that match through determination and trying to problem-solve and do my best and have a great attitude.”
“One point, It was a great winning point in that game but I just ran completely out of gas. To come out here and play against Novak, for me the greatest tennis player there is. I am just incredibly proud of myself.”
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Novak Djokovic said,
“He played a sloppy game to close it out 5-4 and you know well. I got the crowd, backing me and I felt the energy. It was like maybe I am gonna take this one. It was so close.”
In this situation he won’t have long time to savor the victory with a quarter-final against two-time finalist Daniil Medvedev coming up on Thursday.
Daniil Medvedev beat American Alex Michelsen by 6-2, 6-4.
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