INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – Jack Draper delivered a stunning upset on March 15, 2025, defeating two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz with scores of 6-1, 0-6, 6-4 during the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open. The victory not only marked Draper's first appearance in an ATP Masters 1000 final but also ended Alcaraz's impressive 16-match winning streak at Indian Wells, where he had aimed to secure his third consecutive title.
Alcaraz, ranked No. 3 and previously one of the tournament's standout players, admitted after the match to feeling nervous throughout the day. "I always say I have to be focused on myself, on my own game. I think today I was more worried about his level, his game, than myself," Alcaraz reflected. He described the first set as "probably one of the worst sets I have played in my whole career," as he struggled to find his rhythm and made 13 unforced errors, with only 38 percent of his first serves landing successfully.
Despite the rocky start, Alcaraz rebounded to dominate the second set, making it clear he had not lost his competitive edge. Draper, meanwhile, found himself vulnerable during the second set, experiencing low energy and tightness as he felt Alcaraz's momentum shift dramatically.
Back on track, Draper made adjustments and powered through the deciding set. Notably, he had to contend with the tense atmosphere as he fought for control. "It was a strange match. Carlos came out a little flat, I sensed it," Draper said. This reflected his own experience, as he also felt the pressure during the match. Still, he managed to refocus and pushed through the tough moments, securing the win after being shaken earlier.
For Draper, this victory signifies his rise within the ATP ranks. The 23-year-old will now face Holger Rune, who defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-6, 6-4 earlier in the day, marking another historic step for both players born in the 2000s competing for the title. Draper's performance not only showcases his talent but also gives him the opportunity to break through the top 10 rankings for the first time as he moves from 14th to 10th globally.
Alcaraz is already focusing on his next steps following the disappointing loss. He is set to compete at the Miami Open next week, and he is determined to learn from this experience. Looking back at his defeat, he explained, "That is the most disappointed thing... I couldn’t calm down myself." The 21-year-old star stressed the importance of channeling his energy productively and retaining focus moving forward.
Reflecting on the match, Alcaraz acknowledged, "I don’t want to lose any match, but I think this one was even more special to me." He shared his hope to build upon his experiences, as he did after his loss the last time he played at Indian Wells, after which he secured the title at the Miami Open.
With Alcaraz acknowledging his nervousness and Draper rising to the occasion, the semi-final clash was not just about the scores but also about the psychological battle on court. It showcased the demanding nature of tennis, particularly at the Masters level, where mental prowess is as pivotal as technical skill.
When it was all said and done, Draper’s upset over Alcaraz served as both a lesson and motivation for the Spaniard, as he now sets his sight on Miami, determined more than ever to bounce back strong. "I will learn from this match, and I will make the most of myself in Miami," he confidently concluded, leaving fans eager to see how he will perform as the ATP circuit continues to progress.