Draper claims maiden Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells
INDIAN WELLS, California: Jack Draper fulfilled a lifelong dream on Sunday, capturing his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory over Holger Rune in the final. The 23-year-old Briton’s dominant performance capped a sensational run that saw him defeat defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals, as well as top American hopes Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton.
“I have been watching this tournament since I was a young guy, watching all the champions play on this big court,” Draper said. “It means the world to me, honestly, to be able to be a champion here.”
Draper’s meteoric rise has been remarkable. Just 18 months ago, he was ranked outside the top 100, but a fourth-round run at the 2023 U.S. Open hinted at his potential. He claimed his first ATP title in Stuttgart last June and reached the U.S. Open semi-finals, the first British man to do so since Andy Murray in 2012. His success continued with an ATP 500 title in Vienna, and now, his Indian Wells triumph propels him into the top 10 for the first time, with a career-high ranking of No. 7.
“You dream of winning this stuff when you’re a kid,” Draper reflected. “Over the years, that feeling can get lost, but this brings it all back.”(Reuters)
