Jack Draper delivered one of the standout performances of his career on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, defeating world No. 4 Taylor Fritz 7-5, 6-4 at the BNP Paribas Open, held at the picturesque Indian Wells Tennis Garden. With this victory, Draper not only knocked out the past champion but also secured his spot in the quarterfinals for the first time at this prestigious event.
From the outset, Draper showcased remarkable skill, asserting his dominance with a powerful first serve. Throughout the match, he won 32 out of 35 points when he first served, achieving a staggering 91% success rate. Despite not being flawless, Draper’s overall gameplay shone bright, particularly against Fritz, who has previously expressed his affection for this tournament and his hopes of capturing another title.
The match unfolded with Fritz, seeded third, initially leading at 5-4 during the first set. But Draper managed to break Fritz's serve, sending the momentum swinging his way. "I felt great. It's the best match I have played here so far in all three years I've been here," Draper remarked after his win. His quick movements and sharp focus during the match highlighted his growth as he’s worked diligently to overcome injuries sustained earlier this year.
The turning point came as Draper not only levelled the score to 5-5 but went on to assert his authority with agility and precision. During the second set, he quickly secured breaks to lead 4-0. Even when Fritz started to rally back, winning consecutive games to reach 4-5, Draper held his ground. He eventually served out the match after overcoming minor slip-ups, demonstrating poise and mental fortitude under pressure.
On the other side of the court, Fritz's frustration was palpable. Hit with too many loose ground strokes, he struggled against Draper's formidable serve. He never fully adapted to Draper’s game, leading to what turned out to be his second consecutive year of fourth-round exit at Indian Wells, where he claimed the championship back in 2022. The loss narrows Fritz’s pursuit of his goal to repeat his past success.
Draper’s performance marks his third career win over a player ranked within the top five and reinforces his ascent within the ATP rankings, where he now sits at No. 14. "I was really happy with the way I was sharp, I moved great, I competed well. If you have chances against these types of players, you have to take them," he reflected, emphasizing his confidence and readiness leading forward.
Next, Draper faces off against Ben Shelton, the 11th seed and fellow rising star, who prevailed against Brandon Nakashima earlier on the same day with impressive scores of 7-6 (6), 6-1. Having not lost any sets throughout this tournament, Shelton poses another significant challenge for Draper, who is eager to carry his momentum forward. "I'm very excited for this matchup,” Draper said. “Ben is one of the nicest guys around and another amazing talent, so I'm really looking forward to it.”
This quarterfinal will not only be pivotal for Draper as he seeks to break new ground but also as both players represent the youthful rising tide of American tennis. Previous encounters between top players reflect the exciting and competitive nature of today’s tennis scene.
The overall atmosphere of the BNP Paribas Open this year has been electric, with fans eager to witness thrilling matchups and supporting players like Draper and Shelton. With each match, the stakes continue to rise, and the narrative of young talent taking center stage remains dynamic and engaging.
All eyes will surely be on Draper as he aims to solidify his status and continue to ascend the ATP ranks. His performance against Fritz proves he has the tenacity and skill to compete at the highest levels of the sport.