Draper : "Je suis submergé, j'admire Novak depuis que j'étais enfant"

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

A much-desired and long-awaited victory for this Jack Draper who has been inactive for many months, making it more than just a simple win. The Brit perfectly explained it in the post-match press conference, confirming how much it means to have defeated an idol like Novak Djokovic, especially in the Indian Wells 1000 Masters, where he was the champion last season. Perhaps not many thought he would arrive in time to defend his crown here, but the reality is that Draper has continued to grow in each match he has played this week. These were his words after closing an unforgettable day.

Match assessment

“It was a crazy match, I think we both gave our all. Personally, I believe I started a bit passive, but then I began to be more aggressive, eventually taking control of the points on my terms. I am overwhelmed right now to have 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.”

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

“It was a very fast game; it is not ideal to have something like that happen during the match, but I will blame it on the time I have been away. It's one thing to serve for the match against a top-level player, but when it's Novak, it's even more challenging, someone I've been observing since I was a child. When you serve for the match, especially at this level, you need to have gone through something similar in your recent matches or tournaments, which I really haven't. I am proud of how I was able to regroup; I played a good match 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 again.

“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 a very physical match. Then I felt the consequences of that point; I knew that I had to be very solid afterwards to back it up, but in some way that set the tone for the rest of the set for me, even though I lost the point. That being said, you never know with Novak; he will always be there. It has been great fun; there were many good points, so all 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 tennis, but more with my mentality on the court. For example, 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 tennis you want to play. It's tough 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. Overcoming 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 have returned to play as the type of player I want to become.”

Brave in the decisive tiebreak

“The mentality you enter a tiebreak with was to be brave; I needed to maintain a good ball speed. I think the point at 6-5 was mentally draining; we came from a very physical match. When you are in such a tight match, many variables come into play, but I think I handled them very well physically, so I see myself well positioned to face these situations again. However, it is even more exhausting when you haven't had them for 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, maybe he is not playing at his best level, but he is still an incredible competitor, someone who gives absolutely everything in every match. I haven't watched much tennis while I was away, but whenever he is playing, I always try to watch; I admire him a lot. It was a very tough match; playing like this at 38-39 years old is incredible, seeing all the tennis he continues to show. I think we are all very grateful that he is still on tour and giving his all; it's good for us, the young ones, to live with someone we truly admire. I have tremendous respect for Novak; what happened today is something I can't describe.”

Cette actualité est une traduction automatique. Vous pouvez lire la nouvelle originale Draper: “Estoy abrumado, admiro a Novak desde que era un niño"