"We’re all very grateful he’s still out here on the tour giving it his all": Jack Draper shares admiration towards heroic Novak Djokovic after marathon Indian Wells epic

Jack Draper admitted he was “overwhelmed” after defeating Novak Djokovic in a dramatic three-set battle to reach the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Open and keep his title defence alive.

Draper battled past the 24-time Grand Slam champion 4–6, 6–4, 7–6 in a physical and emotionally draining contest in the California desert, regrouping after failing to serve out the match before holding his nerve in a deciding tiebreak.

Speaking after the match, the British No.1 reflected on a “crazy” contest, the challenge of closing out against one of his childhood idols and the pride he feels in continuing his comeback after time away from the tour.

Draper admitted he needed time to find his rhythm against Djokovic but was pleased with how he grew into the match and began to dictate play.

“It was a crazy match,” Draper said in his press conference. “I think both of us gave it our all. "From my side it started off a bit passive, and then as the match went on I was able to be more aggressive and take control of the points on my terms.

“But I’m just overwhelmed to beat Novak — someone I’ve watched, admired and liked since I was a kid. I’m very grateful to be in this situation and to go again tomorrow.”

The turning point of the third set came when Draper failed to serve out the match at 5–4, something he admitted was far from ideal — particularly against a player of Djokovic’s stature. “That game went very quickly,” Draper explained. “Obviously it wasn’t ideal by any means.

“I’ll blame a little bit the time I’ve had out of the game on that one. It’s one thing serving out a match against a top player, but when it’s Novak it’s even more difficult.”

Despite the setback, Draper was proud of the way he reset mentally. “I’m proud of the way I was able to regroup. I played a good game at 6–5 on my serve and then a good tiebreaker as well. That’s something I can be proud of, and I’ll take the experience of what happened at 5–4 and use that for what’s to come.”

One of the most memorable rallies came early in the third set when Draper forced Djokovic into multiple full-court sprints during a lengthy exchange.

The Brit believes the point helped establish the tone of the set, even though he ultimately lost it. “It was a really important point because it’s not easy to do four big sprints in one rally,” Draper said.

“The drop shots I hit were decent — drop shot, lob — it was like a conditioning session for him in that point. It was already a physical match at that stage. I felt like it set the tone for the set for me, even though I lost the point.”

Still, Draper was quick to emphasise the difficulty of sustaining pressure against Djokovic. “With Novak you never know — he’s always going to come at you. There were a lot of fun points in there and I have full respect for him.”

The victory is another encouraging step for Draper as he continues to rebuild form and confidence after injury setbacks.

While pleased with the result, the 22-year-old believes there is still plenty of improvement to come — particularly in his mentality during big moments. “I’m really proud of where I’m at with my game,” Draper said. “I still think my level could be a lot better — not so much with the tennis, but more with my mentality on the court.

“Last year when I was playing a lot of matches you just get confident in knowing what to do in the big moments and committing to the tennis you want to play. When you haven’t been on the match court for a while, especially against the top players, they make you feel uncomfortable.”

For Draper, matches like this play a crucial role in rediscovering his competitive instincts. “These are the sorts of matches you look back on and think, ‘I came through that one and gave myself another opportunity to play another top player the next day.’

“Even though today’s a big win, it’s also a small win in my recovery and in becoming the player I want to be.”

After a physically exhausting three sets, Draper knew bravery would be required in the deciding tiebreak. “My mindset was that I needed to be brave and keep good speed on my ball,” he said. "It was a really physical match and also very emotionally draining when you’re playing something that tight.

“Being in those positions again is tiring when you haven’t done it for a while and you’re just getting used to those feelings again.”

The Brit highlighted a key backhand down the line at 4–4 as a crucial moment. “I think I hit a really good backhand down the line at 4–4 maybe. I was proud of the tiebreaker I played and the way I stuck in there.”

Despite the defeat, Draper was full of admiration for Djokovic, who continues to compete at the highest level at the age of 38. “I know he’s maybe struggled a little bit here in the last few years and maybe he’s not quite at his best level, but he’s still an incredible competitor,” Draper said.

“He gives absolutely everything every single match. I don’t watch a lot of tennis when I’m away from the game, but whenever he’s playing I’m always watching and admiring him. He’s always got something in the locker.”

Draper added that the Serbian remains an inspiration to younger players on tour.“To be playing the way he is at 38 with all the tennis he’s had behind him is amazing.

“We’re all very grateful he’s still out here on the tour giving it his all. For us young guys it’s great to have someone like that to look up to. I have so much respect for Novak — and to come through today is something I can’t really describe.”