Jack Draper secured the biggest victory of his young career on Sunday, March 16, 2025, by defeating Denmark's Holger Rune 6-2, 6-2 at the BNP Paribas Open, triumphing in his first Masters 1000 final. The impressive win signals Drapers ascent within the sport, marking him as one of tennis's rising stars.
Competing at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Draper, the 13th seed, delivered a masterclass performance, finishing the match within just one hour and nine minutes. Rune, who entered the match as the 14th seed, struggled to find his rhythm and was largely overpowered throughout the final. Draper, with tactical precision and calm demeanor, contributed to his own success with aggressive serves and clever shot placements, thwarting Rune's attempts at counterplay.
This prized title not only signifies Drapers maiden ATP Masters 1000 victory but also elevates him to the ATP's top 10 rankings for the first time, following his stunning run to the final where he defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and two other top 20 players.
Leading up to the final, Draper's path was marked by determination and resilience. The British No. 1's remarkable performance against Alcaraz – winning 6-1, 0-6, 6-4 – showcased his mindset and determination. He described the win by saying, "I feel incredible obviously to beat Carlos... Very proud of myself and the achievement." Draper acknowledged the challenges he faced throughout his career, especially injuries, but emphasized his commitment to consistency and pressing against the world's best players.
After drubbing Rune, Draper exuded confidence and joy, celebrating this pivotal milestone with his supporters. During the match, Draper's strong service game was on full display; he won 12 out of 13 of his first serve points during the opening set, making it nearly impossible for Rune to gain momentum.
Rune’s performance faltered, unable to capitalize on break points and struggling with his returns. Draper tactically outplayed him, using heavy topspin and precise placements to drive Rune on the defensive, often sending him behind the baseline.
Reflecting on the match, Draper noted, "The video reviews are really good for tennis," pointing to the mayhem of high-stakes matches where every point counts. While Rune made significant strides to reach the final, securing victories against seasoned players like Daniil Medvedev, he could not match Draper’s prowess on this occasion.
Rune had previously bested Draper, 6-4, 6-2, during their first encounter at the Cincinnati quarter-finals, but on this day, Draper showcased the evolution of his game and composure under pressure. This victory exemplifies how he has refined his mindset since his earlier struggles in their first bout.
After lifting the trophy, Draper took to social media, expressing gratitude and respect for his competitors, saying, "Wow. Thank you for the support." This sentiment resonates powerfully as he prepares for future tournaments and challenges.
The BNP Paribas Open, held annually, is recognized as one of the premier Masters 1000 events, and Draper’s victory heralds not only personal success but also serves as encouragement to British tennis. With this win, he joins Cameron Norrie, who was the last British player to win the Indian Wells title in 2021.
Draper’s presence adds depth to the British contingent on the ATP Tour and serves as inspiration for aspiring young players aiming for greatness.
Overall, the 2025 BNP Paribas Open final will be remembered not only for its competitive excitement but for the birth of Jack Draper as a legitimate contender on the ATP circuit. Both he and Rune are likely to have more showdowns and thrilling matches as their careers evolve.