By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [13] def Carlos Alcaraz [2] 6-1 0-6 6-4
- Draper v Holger Rune [12] | H2H: Rune leads 1-0
INDIAN WELLS, USA – Jack Draper stunned Carlos Alcaraz to seal his top ten debut and reach his first Masters 1000 final where he will now play Holger Rune for the title.
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Jack Draper [13] def Carlos Alcaraz [2] 6-1 0-6 6-4
Jack Draper is into his maiden Masters 1000 final after defeating an underwhelming Carlos Alcaraz in three sets to end the Spaniard’s title defence. The Brit has also ensured that with his victory, he will make his top ten debut on Monday. It was an incredible start for Draper as he continued his red-hot form in California by breaking Alcaraz to love in the second game. A double fault was produced by Alcaraz to give Draper the break and things were about to go from bad to worse for the second seed.
The British number one would continue to produce world class forehands from the baseline with Alcaraz unable to cope with Draper’s power and accuracy. Despite Alcaraz holding serve in the fourth game, the Brit continued to dominate the opening set and another forehand winner secured the second break of serve for a 5-1 lead. Another big serve from Draper secured a rapid 23 minute set for the 13th seed as he was on the brink of another career milestone.
However, the defending champion wasn’t about to give up his crown without a fight as he limited his unforced errors in the second set. The Spaniard was persistent and powerful on return as he sealed an early break in the second game with Draper being the one to double fault this time. A mixture of power and variety saw Alcaraz in cruise control with Draper unable to match his energy levels from the opening set. A fatigued Draper conceded a third break of serve as this match was now at one set all after 53 minutes.
Neither player had played their best tennis at the same time so far but that was about to change in the deciding set. Both players traded blows from the baseline as this match was heating up with neither player giving up any ground. However, it was Draper who was just one step ahead as he edged a sliding backhand passing shot winner past Alcaraz to break and lead 2-1.
There were no signs from Draper as he comfortably consolidated the break and continued to go after Alcaraz’s second serve. The British number one secured a second break of serve and would cruise to a 5-2 lead. Once again Alcaraz displayed his champion’s mentality and character as he used his incredible forehand to change the tempo of the rally, gaining one of the breaks back.
In the end, Draper held firm and a forehand return error from Alcaraz secured the match for Draper as he advanced to his maiden Masters 1000 final.
Jack Draper [13] v Holger Rune [12] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [13] v Holger Rune [12] | H2H: Rune leads 1-0 |
| Indian Wells 2025 | Indian Wells, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $638,750/$1,201,125 |
| Second on Stadium One (Not before 21:00 GMT) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Draper now faces Holger Rune in the Indian Wells final as the Brit looks to win his maiden Masters 1000 title and his first title of the season.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 14) | Holger Rune (WR 13) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R4 (2023) | Quarter-Final (2024) |
| 1st Serve % | 60.5 | 60.7 |
| Service Games Won % | 84.5 | 83.1 |
| Break Points Saved % | 60.5 | 61.1 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.3 | 47.4 |
| Break Points Converted % | 41.5 | 38.3 |
Both players have similar stats but it’s Draper who has the advantage on return in what could be an important match for both players in determining their seasons.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
After a good end to last season as well as a deep run at the Australian Open, Rune had produced a disappointing last few tournaments and failed to capitalise on his momentum. However, the Dane has produced some exceptional performances and wins this week and is now one win away from his second Masters 1000 title of his career.
Draper is aiming to use the forehand to rush Rune’s play as his mixture of power and variety has proved to be irresistible so far this week. Meanwhile the Dane will need to serve aggressively as he will use the backhand to make Draper feel uncomfortable. This will be an entertaining match with this being an important contest for both players. The Brit will start as slight favourite but in a match where emotions and nerves are present anything can happen in what would be an important milestone for Draper if he was to win.
Prediction: Draper in three sets.
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