Jack Draper went a step closer to defending his Indian Wells title on Monday after beating Francisco Cerundolo in straight sets.
Draper, who is playing in his first Masters 1000 event since returning from injury, defeated Cerundolo 6-1, 7-5, advancing to the fourth round.
The British star will now face 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, who came through a tough three-set contest with Aleksandar Kovacevic in the third round.
Can Carlos Alcaraz win MORE Grand Slams than Novak Djokovic? 🤔
Draper has only played the Serbian superstar once before: at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships.
Ahead of Wednesday’s contest, Draper previewed the clash with Djokovic, labelling the 38-year-old as the greatest player in tennis history.
Jack Draper says Novak Djokovic is the ‘greatest player of all-time’ ahead of their Indian Wells match
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Draper expressed his respect for Djokovic, noting that he has watched the Serbian star since he was a ‘young boy.’
“I think the tennis is one thing but it’s the person and player I have been watching since I was a young boy,” said Draper.
“In my opinion he is the greatest player of all time and he keeps showing year in and year out through his consistency he is the biggest champion of them all.
“When you go up against him you know he is going to be there mentally and make it an incredibly tough match and play some crazy tennis.
“I am going to have to be ready for that and up my game. Not do too much different but compete hard and be ready for that match.”
If Draper were to defeat Djokovic, he would play Daniil Medvedev or Alex Michelsen in the quarter-finals.
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From there, he could play Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, Rinky Hijikata or Cameron Norrie in the semi-finals.
Speaking of Norrie, Draper will need to go one round further than Norrie in Indian Wells to maintain his status as the British number one.
Norrie has already impressed in Indian Wells, beating world number six Alex de Minaur on Monday evening.
Draper will hope to cause another upset when he plays Djokovic on Wednesday.
When Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper met at Wimbledon
At the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, Novak Djokovic played Jack Draper in the first round.
Draper threatened to shock the Serbian star, taking the first set 6-4. However, Djokovic quickly responded, taking the next three 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.
After the contest, Draper spoke about his admiration for Djokovic.
He told reporters: “Yeah, Novak for me is much of an inspiration. He’s one of the greatest players of all time.
“I’m still 19. I’ve still got a lot to improve on and learn. I can do that from him.
“He’s a great role model for any young player. I was glad to share the court with him. Hopefully in years to come I can play him again.”
Indian Wells has now presented another opportunity for Draper to play the ‘inspiration’ that is Djokovic.
