Novak Djokovic reacts to defeat to Jack Draper at Indian Wells with classy message

Jack Draper came out on top of an entertaining duel with Novak Djokovic, as the young Brit showed great composure to close out a tight win in the California desert.

Despite facing questions about his fitness after a demanding week, the British number one found enough to edge past the Serb in three sets, with the match decided by a third-set tiebreak.

And even though this was undoubtedly a bitter loss for Djokovic, he took it well and showed plenty of respect for his opponent afterwards.

Taking to Instagram, he sent a direct message to Draper, offering congratulations for his victory.

Novak Djokovic’s classy response after loss to Jack Draper

Speaking in his press conference, the Serbian was already full of praise for his opponent.

“I mean, he’s been playing at a great level, actually. I have watched him a little bit, had some highlights in Dubai that he has played there a few matches,” Djokovic said.

“And here, obviously defending champion, he really likes the conditions, suiting his game, and you could see that. I mean, he’s playing really well. I mean, he’s confident and he was always confident and physically very fit. You know, just overall a great player, great guy. I wish him all the best for the rest of the tournament.”

He then took to social media to echo those thoughts: “A tough night in the desert. Respect to @jackdraper, you deserve it. Great to see you back on court fighting fit. Keep it going.

“And to everyone who supported me here this week, thank you for the energy. No place like tennis paradise.”

Jack Draper continues to shine at Indian Wells

Even before he became a regular on the ATP Tour, Draper always seemed to feel at home at Indian Wells.

The conditions suited him from the start, helping him reach the fourth round in his debut back in 2023. He went on to win the title last year and has already reached the quarter-finals this time around.

This tournament stands out as his best Masters 1000 event by a wide margin, not just because it is where he claimed his only title so far.

Coming into this year’s event, Draper already held a 9-2 record at Indian Wells, and with three more wins this week, he has improved that to 12-2.

That gives him a win percentage of just under 86% at this tournament. The next closest is Cincinnati, but his 75% win rate there comes from only one appearance.

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