Jack Draper secured a spot in the Indian Wells semi-finals with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over the powerful American Ben Shelton, battling through cold and windy conditions. 

Draper will now face two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in what promises to be an exciting clash.

While Draper reached his first Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open last September, this marks his debut in the semi-finals of a Masters 1000 event. 

Should the 23-year-old triumph over Alcaraz on Saturday, he will break into the ATP Top 10 for the first time in his career.

“I’m always proud of my performance,” Draper remarked, reflecting on his tournament run. “But tennis is a sport where you constantly have to prove yourself, match after match. I’m never satisfied—I always aim for more wins and bigger opportunities against top players.”

Draper has faced Alcaraz four times, with his only victory over the Spaniard coming on grass at Queen’s last year.

Alcaraz, ranked world number three, extended his winning streak to 16 matches in California after overcoming Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo 6-3, 7-6 (7-4).

Source: BBC
 
BDST: 1237 HRS, MAR 15, 2025
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