"I played a really good first set, then noticed my body shutting down a bit" - Jack Draper offers insight on 'nervy' Indian Wells Open clash against Alcaraz

Jack Draper admitted that his body started shutting down in his victory over world number one Carlos Alcaraz enroute to the Indian Wells Open title.

It was his maiden Masters 1000 title and saw him jump into the top 10 for the first time in his career. It was a hugely impressive display against the reigning two-time champion. He came out of the blocks flying, winning the first set 6-1 while playing some great tennis. It was a reality check in the second when he was bageled by the Spaniard. However, he kept his nerve in the third as he went 3-0 and 5-2 ahead before eventually sealing a spot in the final. It would be less nervy as he comfortably dispatched Holger Rune 6-2, 6-2 for the biggest title of his career.

"I’d played all right in Australia, then made the final in Doha. I went to Indian Wells a week early and trained. I felt really good," Draper told The Tennis Mentor, looking back on his preparation for the Indian Wells Open. "But it’s tough to believe you’re going to win a big tournament if you’ve never done it before. I’m someone who takes it match-by-match and doesn’t get ahead of myself. Looking back, my run was really difficult—lots of amazing players. I think I played Fonseca first round and many top players along the way. Indian Wells is one of the best tournaments in the world, best atmosphere. Being able to win a tournament I’ve watched since I was young—I still think about it. I’m very proud of that."

An abysmal second set against Alcaraz got people questioning Draper. He had defeated Alcaraz on a separate occasion at Queens in 2024 in straight sets, but this was for a spot in a Masters 1000 final.

"You get tight all the time. Against Alcaraz in the semis, I knew it was a match to get me into the top 10," Draper confessed. "I played a really good first set, then noticed my body shutting down a bit—I felt nervy. Against someone like that it’s tough to feel that way and still play. But I was proud of how I dug deep to get through it. There are many nerves in tennis. Each match has its own battle."

While Draper acknowledged beating the best in the world was not a simple task, he had a plan for these types of scenarios. "It’s very tough against those guys because they’re relentless. But I try to focus on what I’ve got to do and not get too passive," Draper said. "I definitely take my time—people rush when they’re nervous. I’m still learning to develop that, especially in big matches. But for sure, focusing on myself and not the external things helps."

It really has been a brilliant year for the British number one. He reached a career-high ranking of world number four ahead of Wimbledon but dropped down to tenth after missing the culminating few months due to injury. His ambition is to be regularly competing with the best in the world, something that he is mentoring himself for by watching them.

"I’m always developing, always learning. Watching guys like Andy, Novak, Rafa, Roger—they always improve no matter how many slams they’ve won," the 23-year-old commented. "I’m still at the start of my journey, still learning through winning and losing and different environments. There are many areas I’m trying to improve. Tennis is a mental game, so I’m working on that. But also my serve, my forehand, and the attacking side of my tennis. I’ve always been comfortable in defence, but coming forward and finishing with a volley—that’s something I’m improving. Modern tennis is about going out there and winning against the best—they’re not going to let you."