Sunday, March 16, 2025, marked a monumental day for British tennis as Jack Draper claimed victory at the BNP Paribas Open, commonly known as Indian Wells. This win not only secured his first ATP Masters 1000 title but also propelled him to No. 7 in the world rankings—the highest he has ever achieved.
Competing against Denmark's Holger Rune, Draper showcased sheer dominance, winning the final match 6-2, 6-2. Reflecting on his remarkable achievement, the 23-year-old expressed gratitude during his post-match interview: "It’s incredible, I wasn’t expecting this. I’ve put in a lot of work over time and I’m just so grateful and so happy to be out here, my body being healthy, [and] to feel great in my mind. All the work I’ve done over the last few years feels like it’s coming together on the big stage, and I can’t put it [into words]."
It was clear from the outset of the match against Rune, who had previously made it to the semi-finals, defeating both Stefanos Tsitsipas and two-time defending champion Daniil Medvedev, Draper intended to dictate the pace and flow of the game. He demonstrated this with seven aces and 21 winners, as Rune struggled, making only seven winners against 18 unforced errors. Draper was relentless, converting four of his seven break-point opportunities, and he did not face any break points himself throughout the match.
"I knew Holger was going to come out and play some really good tennis, so I needed to be aggressive and play to win from the first ball," said Draper. His strategy paid off, as he quickly established control, breaking Rune's serve multiple times to secure the victory in just one hour and nine minutes.
For Rune, the final was disappointing, especially after the high of his semi-final victory. "It never feels nice not to be able to step over the line, but that's life sometimes," he remarked post-match, acknowledging the challenges of meeting Draper. Rune recognized the gap between their performance levels on the day: "You cannot give him this time to play. He’s going to make you move side to side and hit winners," he added, reflecting critically on his performance.
The path to the final wasn’t easy for Draper either. Over the week leading up to the championship match, he defeated several formidable opponents, including American stars Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz, as well as the talented Carlos Alcaraz. Each match tested Draper’s skills and stamina, but he remained composed, knowing what was at stake.
With this victory, Draper becomes the first British man to win the title since Cameron Norrie secured the same honor in 2021. This is particularly sweet for Draper, who has battled through various challenges, including injuries, since turning professional. "The amount of adversity I’ve been through, the sacrifices made, and the time put in by those around me makes this victory truly emotional," he said. "I can’t tell you how much this means to me."
Now climbing to the seventh spot ranking has opened up new possibilities for Draper as he aims for success at future Grand Slams. His recent form and mental resilience instill hope among fans and analysts who see potential for him to achieve greater heights. Rennae Stubbs, a former professional tennis player and commentator, believes Draper has what it takes to win Wimbledon sooner rather than later, echoing the excitement surrounding his rise.
For Rune, the loss serves as both a disappointment and learning experience. "I think in my mind it’s very clear what I need to practice on... I have to play way more aggressive." The young Dane, still only 21, remains focused on honing his skills and aiming for future success as he prepares for the Miami Open and the clay-court season—a surface where he has historically thrived.
Despite the intensity of competition at Indian Wells, both players expressed appreciation for the tournament and their supporters. Draper summed it up perfectly, noting how the experience of winning at such a prestigious event was something he would cherish forever. This victory might just be the beginning of what could become a stellar career for both him and Rune, as they continue to develop their craft on the world stage.
Looking to the future, Draper will undoubtedly aim to maintain his top-ten ranking and secure more titles, striving to exceed even his remarkable potential. Meanwhile, Rune’s determination to rebound from this defeat reflects the resilience found within the sport, ensuring fans of tennis have much to look forward to.
