Jack Draper embraces pressure against Alcaraz and Sinner: "They push you to another level"

Jack Draper secured a remarkable victory over Taylor Fritz in the fourth round of Indian Wells and spoke about the extra pressure that comes with facing the world's best players, mentioning names like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

The World No. 14 reached the Indian Wells quarter-finals for the first time and will face the last remaining local hope, Ben Shelton. Draper is steadily cementing his place among the elite and growing more accustomed to these high-level battles.

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In fact, the Brit has faced Alcaraz four times, even stunning him on the grass courts of the 2024 Queen’s Club Championships, just weeks before the Spaniard claimed the Wimbledon title. Draper has also shared two encounters with Sinner, each winning once — Draper’s victory came at Queen’s Club in 2021, but he fell short in their US Open semi-final clash.

Still, Draper feels increasingly comfortable against top-tier opponents. Against Fritz, the World No. 4 and local favourite, Draper held his nerve, especially in the second set, clinching a smooth victory.

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At 23 years old, Draper recognises the value of these high-stakes matches. "When I play against someone like Carlos or Jannik, when these players are playing well, they put a lot of pressure on you and you feel like you have to do more," Draper told Tennis Channel.

"You feel that pressure when you are on the court and I think that is tennis. When you play these top players — or I hope when people play me now — they feel pressure to do more than they think they need to."

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On Thursday, Draper will return to the court to face Shelton, a first-time encounter between the two. Both players are in fine form early this year and are vying for a spot in the Top 10. Draper currently sits 12th in the live rankings, with Shelton at 13th — separated by just 30 points. The winner of this match will rise to No. 11, just one victory away from breaking into the Top 10 for the first time.

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