By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday March 14, 2025
Indian Wells, California – Jack Draper played the match of his life on Saturday as he defeated two-time defending champ Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling semifinal at Indian Wells.
On a beautiful Sunday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Draper provided a stellar encore, and more indication that he is ready to rise towards the top of the men’s game.
Brandishing breathtaking power and buoyed by growing confidence, 23-year-old Draper powered past 21-year-old Dane Holger Rune, 6-2, 6-2 for his first Masters 1000 triumph.
It was also the first Masters final between two players born after 2000.
Unfortunately for Rune, it wasn’t much of a contest. Draper, who will rise to No. 7 in Monday’s ATP rankings, was on the front foot from the very beginning.
He motored through the opening set to the tune of just two games dropped then, seemingly before Rune knew what had hit him, the Brit broke early in the second set.
Draper was in complete command and never troubled by Rune.
The Stadium 1 DJ played the Rolling Stones “Can’t you hear me knocking” after Draper’s win over Alcaraz on Saturday.
At the 64-minute mark of Sunday’s final, Draper finally kicked in his rival’s door, as he claimed the double-break 5-2 lead when a Rune backhand clipped off the tape and sailed wide.
Five minutes later it was over. Draper converted his second championship point to become the first British man to win a masters title since Andy Murray.
When it was over Draper got on his knees and raised his arms skyward, celebrating a well-deserved moment, and one that signifies the beginning of his inevitable rise.
More to follow….