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Draper’s Domination: A Perfect Finale in Indian Wells

Jack Draper delivered a career-defining performance on Sunday at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, claiming his first-ever ATP Masters 1000 title.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
Jack Draper, dominated Holger Rune with an emphatic 6-2, 6-2 victory in the Indian Wells, capping off an extraordinary run in the tournament / Photo Indian Wells
Jack Draper, dominated Holger Rune with an emphatic 6-2, 6-2 victory in the Indian Wells, capping off an extraordinary run in the tournament / Photo Indian Wells

The 23-year-old Brit, Jack Draper, dominated Holger Rune with an emphatic 6-2, 6-2 victory in the Indian Wells, capping off an extraordinary run in the tournament. 

 

Draper’s path to the final included impressive wins over two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, as well as American standouts Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz. 

 

However, he reserved his most dominant display for the championship match, overpowering Rune with precision and confidence.

 

“It’s unbelievable. I didn’t expect this,” Draper shared moments after his triumph, which lasted just one hour and nine minutes.

With this victory, Draper not only secured his third ATP Tour title but also reached a career milestone / Photo Indian Wells
With this victory, Draper not only secured his third ATP Tour title but also reached a career milestone / Photo Indian Wells

A Well-Earned Place Among Tennis’ Elite

With this victory, Draper not only secured his third ATP Tour title but also reached a career milestone—breaking into the Top 10 of the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time. 

 

As of Monday, he will rise seven spots to claim the No. 7 ranking, marking a major leap in his professional journey.

 

“I truly believe I deserve this,” Draper admitted. “The adversity I’ve faced, the sacrifices I’ve made, and the dedication of everyone around me”, said.

 

Throughout the final, Draper asserted control with his powerful groundstrokes and precise serving. 

 

His high-bouncing shots consistently forced Rune into defensive positions, allowing him to dictate the pace of play. 

 

His ability to step inside the baseline and take control of rallies was instrumental in his dominant performance.

Reflecting on his approach, Draper noted how he learned from the previous day’s encounter with Carlos Alcaraz / Photo Indian Wells
Reflecting on his approach, Draper noted how he learned from the previous day’s encounter with Carlos Alcaraz / Photo Indian Wells

A Milestone in Indian Wells History

This championship match in Indian Wells was historic in several ways. 

 

It marked the first ATP Masters 1000 final featuring two players born in the 2000s and the first since 2021 where both competitors were ranked outside the Top 10. 

 

Additionally, it was the youngest final in Indian Wells since Rafael Nadal (22) defeated Andy Murray (21) in 2009.

 

Draper’s near-flawless serving played a key role in his victory, as he lost only four points on serve in the opening set, per Infosys ATP Stats. 

 

He even held a break point for a commanding 5-0 lead.

 

His dominance continued in the second set, where he immediately broke Rune’s serve and never looked back, closing out the match without facing a single break point.

 

Reflecting on his approach, Draper noted how he learned from the previous day’s encounter with Carlos Alcaraz.

Joining an Elite Group of British Champions

By avenging his previous loss to Rune at the 2024 Cincinnati Masters, Draper evened their Lexus ATP Head2Head record at 1-1. 

 

His triumph also made him the fifth British player to claim an ATP Masters 1000 title, joining an exclusive club that includes Andy Murray, Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski, and Cameron Norrie. 

 

Among them, only Norrie had previously won in Indian Wells. 

 

Notably, all four of his British predecessors also reached the ATP Top 10 at some point in their careers.

 

Meanwhile, Rune, at just 21 years old, was aiming for his fifth ATP title and his second Masters 1000 crown, having previously won the 2022 Rolex Paris Masters by defeating Novak Djokovic in the final.

 

His loss in Indian Wells prevented him from re-entering the Top 10 of the rankings, though he will move up one spot to No. 12 on Monday.

His triumph also made him the fifth British player to claim an ATP Masters 1000 title / Photo Indian Wells
His triumph also made him the fifth British player to claim an ATP Masters 1000 title / Photo Indian Wells

FYI about Indian Wells

  • How did Jack Draper secure his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells? Draper dominated Holger Rune 6-2, 6-2 with aggressive baseline play and precise serving.
  • What ranking milestone did Draper achieve after his Indian Wells victory? He entered the ATP Top 10 for the first time, reaching a career-high No. 7.
  • What made the 2024 Indian Wells final historically significant? It was the first Masters 1000 final between two players born in the 2000s and the youngest final at Indian Wells since 2009.
  • Who are the other British players to have won an ATP Masters 1000 title? Andy Murray, Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski, and Cameron Norrie.
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