Jack Draper defeated Novak Djokovic, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6, in the fourth round of Indian Wells.
Playing Djokovic for the second time, Draper fought back from a set down to defeat the legendary Serb in California.
Before the match, Draper hailed Djokovic as the greatest player of all time.
Who will have more Grand Slam titles when both are retired?
During his post-match press conference, Draper was just as complimentary towards the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Jack Draper says he ‘can’t describe’ what it’s like to beat Novak Djokovic
“I didn’t watch a lot of tennis when I’m away from the game, but whenever he’s playing, I’m always watching, always admiring,” said Draper.
“He’s always got something in the locker when he comes out with it.
“I think it was, like, a tough match, and to be playing the way he is at 39, is it? 38 and to have all the tennis he’s had behind him.
“I think we’re all very grateful that he’s still out here on the tour and still giving it his absolute all.
“It’s nice for us young guys to still have someone who is a great to really look up to.
“I don’t know, I just have so much respect for Novak [Djokovic].
“To come through today, it’s something I can’t describe.”
He also took a moment to assess Djokovic’s level, as the Serb lost another big match at Indian Wells.
“I mean, look, I know that he’s maybe struggled a little bit in Indian Wells, you know, in the last few years,” said Draper.
Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells since 2016
- 2017 Indian Wells – Novak Djokovic lost in the fourth round to Nick Kyrgios
- 2018 Indian Wells – Novak Djokovic lost in the second round to Taro Daniel
- 2019 Indian Wells – Novak Djokovic lost in the third round to Philipp Kohlschreiber
- 2024 Indian Wells – Novak Djokovic lost in the third round to Luca Nardi
- 2025 Indian Wells – Novak Djokovic lost in the second round to Botic van de Zandschulp
- 2026 Indian Wells – Novak Djokovic lost in the fourth round to Jack Draper
“Maybe he’s not quite playing his best level, but he’s still an incredible competitor and someone who gives his absolute all every single match.”
Draper and Djokovic played out a thriller in their second career meeting, as the Brit levelled their head-to-head at 1-1.
Djokovic had won their first encounter, five years earlier, at Wimbledon.
- 2021 Wimbledon – Novak Djokovic defeated Jack Draper in the first round (4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2)
The Serb would love another crack at Draper, but will now turn his attention to next week’s Miami Open.
Draper, on the other hand, still has work to do in California.
Jack Draper prepares for Daniil Medvedev test in Indian Wells quarterfinals
Returning as the defending champion, Draper will be pleased to have reached the quarterfinal stage.
2026 Indian Wells men’s singles quarterfinals
- [1] Carlos Alcaraz vs [27] Cameron Norrie
- [14] Jack Draper vs [11] Daniil Medvedev
- [30] Arthur Fils vs [4] Alexander Zverev
- [25] Learner Tien vs [2] Jannik Sinner
Next up for Draper is a test against the two-time runner-up, Daniil Medvedev.
Draper lost his one previous ATP Tour meeting with Medvedev at the 2024 Italian Open.
There, the Russian picked up the win in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4.
They’ll meet for a second time, putting their respective winning streaks on the line.
Jack Draper’s Indian Wells winning streak
| Win | Match | Opponent | Score |
| 1 | 2025 Indian Wells – 2R | Joao Fonseca | 6-4, 6-0 |
| 2 | 2025 Indian Wells – 3R | Jenson Brooksby | 7-5, 6-4 |
| 3 | 2025 Indian Wells – 4R | Taylor Fritz | 7-5, 6-4 |
| 4 | 2025 Indian Wells – QF | Ben Shelton | 6-4, 7-5 |
| 5 | 2025 Indian Wells – SF | Carlos Alcaraz | 6-1, 0-6, 6-4 |
| 6 | 2025 Indian Wells – F | Holger Rune | 6-2, 6-2 |
| 7 | 2026 Indian Wells – 2R | Roberto Bautista Agut | 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 |
| 8 | 2026 Indian Wells – 3R | Francisco Cerundolo | 6-1, 7-5 |
| 9 | 2026 Indian Wells – 4R | Novak Djokovic | 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 |
| – | 2026 Indian Wells – QF | Daniil Medvedev | – |
Daniil Medvedev’s ATP Tour winning streak
| Win | Match | Opponent | Score |
| 1 | 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships – 1R | Juncheng Shang | 6-1, 6-3 |
| 2 | 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships – 2R | Stan Wawrinka | 6-2, 6-3 |
| 3 | 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships – QF | Jenson Brooksby | 6-2, 6-1 |
| 4 | 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships – SF | Felix Auger-Aliassime | 6-4, 6-2 |
| – | 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships – F | Tallon Griekspoor | (Walkover) |
| 5 | 2026 Indian Wells – 2R | Alejandro Tabilo | 6-4, 6-2 |
| 6 | 2026 Indian Wells – 3R | Sebastian Baez | 6-4, 6-0 |
| 7 | 2026 Indian Wells – 4R | Alex Michelsen | 6-2, 6-4 |
| – | 2026 Indian Wells – QF | Jack Draper | – |
Only time will tell who emerges victorious, but you certainly won’t want to miss it.
Draper will play Medvedev for a spot in the Indian Wells semifinals on Friday, March 13.
