Draper: "I'm overwhelmed; I've admired Novak since I was a child"

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Jack Draper will never forget what happened this morning at the Indian Wells 2026 Masters 1000. The British player defeated Novak Djokovic for the first time in a match where anything could have happened, but he was the one who emerged victorious.

A highly desired and long-awaited victory for this Jack Draper who has been out of action for many months, making it more than just a simple win. The British player explained it perfectly in the post-match press conference, confirming how much it means to have beaten an idol like Novak Djokovic, especially in the Indian Wells Masters 1000, an event where he was crowned champion last season. Perhaps not many thought he would make it in time to defend his title here, but the reality is that Draper has been continuously improving with each match he has played this week. These were his words after a memorable day.

Match assessment

“It was a crazy match, I think we both gave it our all. Personally, I feel like I started a bit passive, but then I started being more aggressive, taking control of the points on my terms. Right now, I'm overwhelmed by having defeated Novak, someone I have watched, admired, and idolized since I was a child. I am very grateful to be in this situation and to have the opportunity to play again tomorrow.”

Key 30-30 point in the first game of the third set

“It was a very quick game, not ideal for something like that to happen during the match, but I'll blame it on the time I've been out. Serving for the match against a top-level player is one thing, but when it's Novak, it's even harder, someone I've been watching since I was a child. When you serve for the match, especially at this level, you need to have been through something similar in your recent matches or tournaments, which I really haven't. I'm proud of how I regrouped, played a good game at 6-5 and on serve, and also in the tiebreak, so this is something I can be proud of. I will take that experience from 5-4 and use it for what's to come.”

Losing the match... and tying it back.

“It was a very important point; I felt it wasn't easy to do four sprints in the same point. I think the four drop shots I hit were decent, then came the lob, it was like a conditioning session in what was already a very physical match. I then felt the consequences of that point; I knew I had to be very solid in the following one to back it up, but somehow that set the tone for the rest of the set for me, even though I lost the point. That said, you never know with Novak; he will always be there. It has been very fun, there were many good points, so all the respect to him.”

Surprised by your level?

“I am very proud of how I am playing; I was telling my coach that I still believe my level could be much better, honestly. Not so much with the tennis, but rather with my mentality on the court. For instance, last year I played many matches, and that gives you confidence to know what to do in big moments, to know how to commit to the type of tennis you want to play. It's hard when you haven't been on the court for a while, especially against the best in the world; they make you feel uncomfortable. I am still learning things about my game, my identity on the court. Getting through these matches is tremendously important; they are the kind of matches that when you look back, you think... I overcame this. Now I have another opportunity to play another match against another important player, so it's a small victory in my recovery; I am playing again as the type of player I want to become.”

Courageous in the decisive tiebreak

“The mindset you enter a tiebreak with was that of being brave; I needed to maintain good ball speed. I think the point at 6-5 was mentally exhausting; we came from a very physical match. When you are in such a close match, many variables come into play, but physically I believe I managed them very well, so I see myself well positioned to face these situations again. However, it's even more exhausting when you haven't had them in a while; I have to get used to those feelings again. I am proud of the tiebreak I played, of how I managed to stay there. I think I hit a very good backhand line at 4-4, so I hope to learn from this and grow in these situations.”

Jack Draper shows all his admiration for Djokovic after defeating him in Indian Wells

“He may have had some issues in Indian Wells in recent years, perhaps not playing at his best level, but he remains an incredible competitor, someone who gives absolutely everything in every match. I didn't watch much tennis while I was away, but every time he's playing, I always try to watch; I admire him a lot. It has been a very tough match; to play in this way at 38-39 years old is incredible, seeing all the tennis he continues to display. I think we are all very grateful that he is still on tour and giving it his all; it's good for us, the young ones, to coexist with someone we truly admire. I hold a lot of respect for Novak; what happened today is something I cannot describe.”

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Draper: “Estoy abrumado, admiro a Novak desde que era un niño"