The 2025 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells turned into a showcase of tennis’s rising stars. While 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva stunned the world with her win over Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s final, the men’s side of the tournament had its own fairytale ending—23-year-old Jack Draper clinched his first-ever ATP Masters 1000 title. The young Brit dominated the tournament, overcoming a formidable lineup of opponents, including Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune, to claim his biggest career victory yet.
A Gauntlet of Tough Opponents
Seeded 13th, Draper had his work cut out for him. Right from the second round, he faced a tough challenge against the surging Joao Fonseca but dispatched him with ease, 6-4, 6-0. The road didn’t get any easier—Taylor Fritz, a former Indian Wells champion, was next, yet Draper took care of business with a 7-5, 6-4 win. Then came American powerhouse Ben Shelton, but Draper remained unfazed, winning 6-4, 7-5.
Carlos Alcaraz, a two-time Grand Slam champion, was expected to be Draper’s biggest test in the semifinals. While the Spaniard showed his brilliance by handing Draper a 6-0 second set, the Brit responded with pure resilience, winning the first and third sets convincingly. That victory set up a final showdown against 12th seed Holger Rune.
A Masterclass in the Final
Despite being just one ranking position apart, Draper and Rune’s match felt far from balanced. From the very first game, Draper took control with his lethal serve and powerful forehand. By the end of the first set, he had won a staggering 90% of his first-serve points and had yet to face a break point.
Rune, known for his aggressive playstyle, struggled to adapt. Instead of adjusting his game plan, he doubled down on power shots, leading to unforced errors and frustration. Draper, in contrast, remained composed, mixing up his shots and keeping Rune guessing. By the second set, the outcome seemed inevitable. Draper cruised to a 6-2, 6-2 victory, winning an astounding 92.3% of his first-serve points and nearly half of all return points.
A Star in the Making
This title marks Draper’s first ATP Masters 1000 trophy and propels him into the ATP Tour’s top 10 for the first time. Tennis legend Jim Courier noted during commentary that Draper’s composure and confidence were key factors in his victory. Even Alcaraz, after his semifinal loss, admitted that Draper’s presence on court had made him uneasy—an impressive feat for the young Brit.
While Draper has struggled with anxiety in the past, particularly in high-pressure matches, his ability to hold his nerve at Indian Wells signals a new chapter in his career. Overcoming mental hurdles and top-tier opponents, Draper has proven that he is not just the future of tennis—he is the present.
With this milestone win under his belt, the tennis world will be watching closely to see what Jack Draper does next. If his performance at Indian Wells is any indication, this is just the beginning of an extraordinary career.
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