Preview ATP Indian Wells Semifinal: Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper set for blockbuster

The Indian Wells semifinals will feature a blockbuster clash between two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and British sensation Jack Draper. This will be their third meeting, with neither player dropping a set en route to the semifinals, arriving in impressive form.

Alcaraz is riding a 16-match winning streak at the tournament, but Draper looks ready to spring a surprise. The Brit already holds a win over Alcaraz on home soil at the 2024 Queen’s Club Championships, a remarkable feat against a two-time Wimbledon champion.

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However, the conditions this time are vastly different, with Indian Wells’ slow hard courts favouring the Spaniard, as this tournament has historically suited him well.

Alcaraz eyes third straight Indian Wells final

Carlos Alcaraz boasts an impressive 16-match winning streak at Tennis Paradise and a 20-2 record (90%) at the event. His last defeat came in the 2022 semifinals against none other than Rafael Nadal, who was on a 20-0 run that year.

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The Spaniard is coming off a straight-sets win over Francisco Cerundolo, who put up a solid fight but couldn’t trouble the four-time Grand Slam champion. Alcaraz has yet to drop a set this year in Indian Wells and has shown exactly why he entered as the favourite to complete the coveted three-peat — a feat previously achieved only by Roger Federer (2004-2006) and Novak Djokovic (2014-2016).

Alcaraz is already the second-winningest player of 2025, holding a 15-2 record, trailing only Felix Auger-Aliassime (16-6).

Carlos Alcaraz at 2024 Indian Wells. He defeated Daniil Medvedev in the final.

The Spaniard recently praised Draper ahead of their upcoming clash, acknowledging the Brit’s talent and potential: “Well, I think he has a lot of rhythm, a lot of pace, great shots,” Alcaraz said in his last press conference. “I think his style of play suits pretty well to these conditions. I think his forehand with topspin bounces a lot, and big serve.”

The two-time defending champion looks in top form — perhaps the best we’ve seen from him this season. The slightly slower hard courts at Indian Wells will help neutralise Draper’s serve and extend the rallies, a scenario that always plays into Alcaraz’s hands more than a serve-dominated battle.

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Alcaraz’s Road to the Semifinals:

• Round of 64: Quentin Halys (No. 59) – 6-4, 6-2

• Round of 32: Denis Shapovalov (No. 28) – 6-2, 6-4

• Round of 16: Grigor Dimitrov (No. 15) – 6-1, 6-1

• Quarterfinals: Francisco Cerundolo (No. 26) – 6-3, 7-6(4)

Draper aims for Alcaraz upset and top-10 debut

Jack Draper has battled past a series of big servers like Fritz and Shelton — both crowd favourites — proving he’s unfazed by the power game. Remarkably, he defeated them in straight sets without needing a tiebreak, showcasing his composure under pressure. Even with the crowd against him, Draper has won over local fans, who cheered for him even when facing Americans.

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The British No. 1 is on the verge of breaking into the Top 10 for the first time in his career. A win against Alcaraz would propel him to World No. 8, surpassing names like Alex de Minaur, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Andrey Rublev — extra motivation for Draper, who’s finally been able to compete consistently after overcoming injury setbacks.

Draper’s first-serve effectiveness against Fritz and Brooksby stood at 90%, making it a crucial weapon against Alcaraz — one of the tour’s best returners in recent years. Although this is Draper’s first Masters 1000 semifinal, he’s no stranger to the big stage, having reached the US Open semis last year, where he fell to eventual champion Jannik Sinner.

Draper’s Road to the Semifinals

• Round of 64: Joao Fonseca (No. 80) – 6-4, 6-0

• Round of 32: Jenson Brooksby (No. 937) – 7-5, 6-4

• Round of 16: Taylor Fritz (No. 4) – 7-5, 6-4

• Quarterfinals: Ben Shelton (No. 12) – 6-4, 7-5

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