BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells 2026: Jack Draper sets up Novak Djokovic clash with third round win
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British No.1 Jack Draper booked his place in the fourth round at Indian Wells after an impressive straight sets win over 19th seed Francisco Cerundolo.
Defending champion Draper knocked out the Argentinian 6-1, 7-5 in an hour and 22 minutes to set up a clash with 24-time Grand Slam title-winner Novak Djokovic in the next round.
This marked Draper’s first top 20 victory since last year’s Madrid Open. It’s also the first time he has recorded back-to-back wins at a tournament since the HSBC Championships in June and the first time he’s beaten Cerundolo in three meetings.
“I’m my biggest critic so it’s difficult,” Draper said reflecting on his performance. “It was difficult conditions out here, the ball was swirling around a bit.
"I think I played a good first set. I came out stronger and that I’m hitting the ball better than I have done for a long time. It was definitely a ropey second set.
“It’s difficult being off court for a long time and it’s all about that concentration point in and point out and getting that consistency back. I feel better every day and I’m just happy to get through and give myself another opportunity.”
It was a dominant opening set from Draper, who took command of the early baseline exchanges. His heavy top spin caused Cerundolo to hit 12 forehand unforced errors throughout the opening set, as the British star broke three times to seal the set in just 32 minutes.
Cerundolo won the singles title in Buenos Aires only a few weeks ago and the world No.20 did well to shake the disappointment of the first set and break for a 2-0 lead early in the second.
While the intensity dropped from Draper in the second set, he will have been proud of the way he fought back. He recovered a break deficit twice, with Cerundolo missing out on the chance to serve for the set at 5-4.
Draper saved two more break points from 15-40 at 5-5, which seemed to deal a huge blow to his opponent. Cerundolo couldn’t see out his service game and Draper took his opportunity with his first match point.
Next up, Draper will play Djokovic for only the second time in his career. Their last meeting came at Wimbledon in 2021 where a young Draper took the opening set before losing out in four.
“The tennis is one thing, but the person, the player, I’ve been watching since I was a young boy,” Draper said on the Serbian.
“He’s the greatest player of all-time and he’s shown year after year his consistency. He’s the biggest champion of them all.
"When you go up against him you know he’s going to be there mentally, you know he’s going to make it an incredibly tough match and play some crazy tennis. I’ve got to be ready for that.”
Earlier in the day, Cam Norrie also knocked out world No.6 Alex De Minaur to reach the fourth round.
