Jack Draper put in one of the strongest performances of his career on Wednesday night, seeing off Novak Djokovic in a dramatic contest.
Taking part in just his first Masters 1000 event back from injury, Draper edged out the 24-time Grand Slam winner 4-6, 6-4, 7-6.
The result sets up a quarter-final meeting with Daniil Medvedev, who advanced past Alex Michelsen earlier in the day.
Draper’s determination was evident throughout as he clawed his way back into the match after dropping the opening set.
After the match, Andy Murray’s former coach Brad Gilbert weighed in on social media, praising what he called an outstanding display from Draper.
Brad Gilbert highlights Jack Draper’s defensive skills
Gilbert’s status in tennis is well established, both from his playing days and his long coaching career.
The American reached as high as world number four during his own playing career, and later played a key role in Andre Agassi’s rise. More recently, he worked with Coco Gauff.
Gilbert knows how to recognise real talent when he sees it, and Draper certainly fits that description.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the 64-year-old said: “I was so impressed last night with madman [Jack] Draper.
“His defending skills were tremendous and hung in there on many extended rallies with Djoker [Djokovic] – he [Draper] had barely played in last 9 months.
“If he can stay healthy for full year, then we could really see where his ranking can be.”
Draper could find himself up against another big name in the semi-finals if he gets past Medvedev, as Carlos Alcaraz may be waiting for him.
If the Briton makes it to back-to-back Indian Wells finals, he will face one of Jannik Sinner, Learner Tien, Alexander Zverev or Arthur Fils.
Jack Draper set to meet in-form Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells
Medvedev has been playing some of his best tennis this season.
The Russian, who managed only one Grand Slam win in 2025, has found his stride early this year with titles at both the Brisbane International and the Dubai Tennis Championships.
He has carried that momentum into Indian Wells, beating Alejandro Tabilo, Sebastian Baez and Alex Michelsen without dropping a set.
Medvedev was recently asked in a Ziggo Sport interview: “When was the last time you played as well as you’re playing now?”
“Well, in Dubai,” he replied while laughing.
“But if we talk about, for example, last year – probably I didn’t have even once, even in the end of the year when I was playing much better.
“I didn’t have once exactly the level I’m having now and the level of confidence in your shots, in your game and the structure of your game.
“So I’m feeling great. I’m feeling confident. It’s a great feeling. But you know a lot of tough opponents want you to disturb this feeling. So you need to do your best not to get disturbed.”
Draper will be out to even up their head-to-head record after losing their only previous meeting at the 2024 Italian Masters, where Medvedev won 7-5, 6-4 in the round of 64.
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