Jack Draper wins unbelievable slugfest over Novak Djokovic, advances to IW QF

2025 Indian Wells champion Jack Draper is still alive in the men’s singles draw.

It took a massive effort spanning over 2 1/2 hours for Draper to defeat Novak Djokovic and advance to the quarterfinals.

The three set slugfest involved physical rallies and a lot of powerful shotmaking.

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Draper dropped the first set

Only a few points separated the players as Djokovic jumped out to a 6-4 lead.

The difference was that Jack Draper’s game improved as the match continued. He enjoyed a solid serving performance, with a reimagined serving motion, aimed at keeping the left handed Brit’s shoulder and arm healthy.

He withdrew from last year’s US Open and did not play the rest of the season because of the arm injury.

Djokovic labored

Considering Draper had been out of the game for months, his fitness and mental clarity in high stress situations were top notch.

He reminded everyone that last year’s Indian Wells win was not a fluke.

At times, Djokovic looked winded and occasionally shook out his arm which has been a recent issue for him.

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However, both men played an outstanding match, and it could have gone either way down to the last point.

Draper did not panic as he methodically worked his way from behind to win the match with a third set tiebreak.

Quick turnaround for Draper

Quick recovery is the name of the game for Draper now. All quarterfinal matches are being played on Thursday, and he will face Daniil Medvedev who had an easy straight set win over American Alex Michelsen hours ago.

Can Draper be ready to play in under 24 hours? Tennis fans cannot wait to see.

Watch the final rounds of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells now through Sunday, March 15 live and with match replays on the Tennis Channel.

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