Jack Draper continued his comeback from injury with a straight‑sets win over Francisco Cerundolo, booking a round‑of‑16 clash with Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells.
Draper dominated the first set 6‑1 and held his nerve in the second, clinching it 7‑5 after Cerundolo faltered while serving to level the tie. The Briton capitalised on key moments, breaking twice in succession to seal victory.
The 24‑year‑old returned to the ATP Tour last week in Dubai after an eight‑month absence due to an arm injury. His win over Cerundolo marked the first time he has won back‑to‑back matches at the same tournament since Queen’s in June 2025. Draper admitted he is still regaining confidence, saying he is only now playing without pain in his arm.
Draper will face Djokovic for the first time since Wimbledon 2021, when he took a set off the defending champion on debut. He acknowledged the challenge ahead, calling Djokovic “the greatest player of all time” and stressing the need to raise his game. Djokovic advanced after defeating Aleksandar Kovacevic 6‑4, 1‑6, 6‑4.
Fellow Briton Cameron Norrie also reached round four with a 6‑4, 6‑4 win over world No. 6 Alex de Minaur. Sonay Kartal kept British hopes alive in the women’s singles, beating Madison Keys to set up a clash with Elena Rybakina.
