By Tony Fairbairn
- Joao Fonseca [WC] def Jacob Fearnley 6-2 1-6 6-3
- Jack Draper [13] v Fonseca | H2H: First Meeting
INDIAN WELLS, USA – Jack Draper will begin his Indian Wells account against the in-form Joao Fonseca after the Brazilian knocked out Jacob Fearnley.
 |
|---|
Joao Fonseca [WC] def Jacob Fearnley 6-2 1-6 6-3
It wasn’t to be for Jacob Fearnley as the British number two was eliminated in the first round by Joao Fonseca in three sets. The Brazilian enters Indian Wells on the back of an outstanding South American swing and continued where he left off as he broke Fearnley comfortably in the opening game.
There were tough conditions in California as the wind picked up which allowed both players to create opportunities on return as Fearnley threatened the break in the following game. Although Fearnley was unable to breakthrough, the Brit gradually gained confidence on serving as he held efficiently. However, Fonseca raised his level when it really mattered and his controlled aggression paid off as he broke in the seventh game for a 5-2 lead before holding to 30 to seal the opening set.
In the second set, Fearnley adapted to the conditions better as he created a break point in every return game and he produced some consistently aggressive shots. The Brazilian went for too much as the British number two broke on two occasions to take a 5-1 lead. Serving out the set wasn’t a problem for Fearnley as he levelled the match at one set all.
The momentum was with Fearnley and the Brit made a promising start to the deciding set as he fought well to break in the third game for a 2-1 lead. However, the positive start meant nothing in the end as it all crumbled quickly in the end with Fonseca’s power proving too much.
Five games in a row secured a second round berth for Fonseca as Fearnley exited the tournament in the opening round.
Jack Draper [13] v Joao Fonseca [WC] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [13] v Joao Fonseca [WC] | H2H: First Meeting |
| Indian Wells 2025 | Indian Wells, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $37,650 |
| First on Stadium Four (19:00 GMT) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Jack Draper will now begin his Indian Wells against Fonseca as he aims to continue his form from Doha where he reached the final.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 14) | Joao Fonseca (WR 80) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R4 (2023) | N/A |
| 1st Serve % | 60.1 | 65.6 |
| Service Games Won % | 84.7 | 81.6 |
| Break Points Saved % | 61 | 64.1 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.3 | 48 |
| Break Points Converted % | 40.6 | 37.9 |
Draper is aiming to take advantage of any short second serve from Fonseca in a bid to continue his efficient and clinical returning.
 |
|---|
Playing Styles and Prediction
Fonseca has been the biggest breakthrough talent on the ATP tour in the last 12 months and the Brazilian is only just getting started. The Brazilian has power and variety which has recently seen him win a first ATP title of his career in South America. Now Fonseca will aim to score another big win and continue his rapid rise up the rankings.
Draper will look to be aggressive on return and take advantage of any short serves produced by Fonseca. Meanwhile the Brazilian will use the forehand to dictate the tempo of the baseline rallies. This will be a tough opening test for Draper but the British number one should have too much consistent quality for Fonseca.
Prediction: Draper in straight sets.
How to Watch/Follow ATP Indian Wells 2025
| Live Stream | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
TennisTV <- Subscription Required |
| Live Scores | Tennis Scores Powered By TNNSLIVE |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |