Jack Draper stunned two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz with a remarkable 6-1, 0-6, 6-4 victory on Saturday, March 15, 2025, to reach the BNP Paribas Open final for the first time. The match, played at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, captivated the nearly full 16,100-seat Stadium 1 and saw Draper end Alcaraz's impressive 16-match winning streak at the prestigious tournament.
The match lasted one hour and 44 minutes and marked Draper’s debut at the Masters 1000 finals. His victory snaps Alcaraz's efforts to become the first player born after 1991 to win three consecutive titles at any ATP Tour event, and Alcaraz visibly struggled during the match.
Draper's performance was nothing short of spectacular, especially considering his previous encounters with Alcaraz, which had often ended in disappointment. The early moments of the match saw Draper seize control, capitalizing on Alcaraz's uncharacteristic errors. The world number two hit 13 unforced errors during the first set, which he lost quickly, lasting just 23 minutes.
The first set was challenging for Alcaraz. Back-to-back double faults handed Draper the early break, and the Brit showcased exceptional serving, including three aces. Draper's ability to maintain his composure under pressure was evident, as he closed out the opener with ease.
“It was a strange match,” Draper admitted. “Carlos came out flat, and I had to take full advantage. I went for my shots and managed to get myself through.”
After being shut out to love, Alcaraz quickly found his rhythm, displaying his powerful forehand with grace and precision. He dominated the second set, breaking Draper’s serve and reclaiming control of the match, leveling the contest heading to the deciding third set. Draper acknowledged the shift, remarking, “I got tight, I had low energy. Against the top players, they can change their momentum quickly.”
The pivotal moment of the match came early in the final set when, at 15-15, video technology intervened. Umpire Mohamed Lahyani's initial judgement ruled Draper to have failed to reach what was believed to be a double bounce on Alcaraz's drop shot. Draper challenged the call, the review was successful, and he gained the point under controversial circumstances.
With the momentum shifted back to his favor, Draper broke Alcaraz to take the lead at 2-1, showing outstanding resilience. “When you find yourself with the chance to capitalize, you have to take it,” he said.
The match then turned fiercely competitive, with both players exchanging breaks and powerful shots. Draper’s relentless serve and defensive play proved effective as he maintained his nerve, allowing him to break Alcaraz once more to take the decisive 5-2 lead.
“I think I put so much energy just to stay calm,” Draper reflected on the tension of the final moments. “When you face someone like Carlos, every point matters.” Despite Alcaraz’s late comeback attempt, who rallied to narrow the gap to 4-5, Draper held firm, closing out the match with notable poise.
“This one hurts,” lamented Alcaraz post-match. “I was nervous during the whole day; it affected my performance.” Alcaraz, who had been aiming for his third consecutive title at Indian Wells and to join the elite ranks of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic as the few to achieve such feats, was forced to bow out.
Draper now turns his focus toward facing Holger Rune, the young Danish player who triumphed over Daniil Medvedev to solidify his place opposite Draper in what promises to be an electrifying final on Sunday, March 16, 2025. “I’m excited for this opportunity,” Draper stated. “My focus is entirely on the final, and I’ll do everything to prepare.”
The match participants have met previously, with Rune holding the edge, but Draper’s recent form suggests neither player can afford to underestimate the other.
With the victory over Alcaraz, Draper will enter the ATP rankings' top 10 for the first time, continuing his exceptional rise from World No. 43 just a year ago. His comeback narrative is compelling, showcasing the immense potential he displays on the court, supported by previous wins at other tournaments.
“It feels incredible to break through to the top 10,” Draper concluded with pride. “But for now, all my excitement is directed toward what’s next.”