Jack Draper is back in business at Indian Wells, launching his title defence with a gutsy three-set triumph over Roberto Bautista Agut on Saturday evening.
The British number one found himself trailing after dropping the opening set 6-3, but turned things around brilliantly to claim the next two sets 6-3 and 6-2.
It’s a massive result for Draper, who’s still finding his feet after spending eight months on the sidelines with an arm injury.
The 24-year-old, currently ranked 14th in the world, wrapped up the victory in one hour and 46 minutes to book his spot in round three.
Jack Draper had a slow start but managed to wrap up victory in under two hours
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Speaking after his hard-fought win, Draper couldn’t hide his delight at being back at a venue that holds such special memories.
“It felt amazing. I have really felt good here,” he told Sky Sports courtside.
“It is good to be back somewhere I have great memories, but at the same time I was a little bit under-prepared because of the amount of tennis I have missed.
“The injury I had it wasn’t like a couple of weeks. It was eight months. I missed so much competitive tennis and I do feel that. I feel a little bit off.
“In practice my level’s good but when it comes to the match court I’m definitely a bit in and out with my consistency. But I think that’s going to come.”
Jack Draper still wears a protective sleeve after suffering eight months of injury
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The Brit, who still sports a protective sleeve on his left arm, acknowledged that facing Bautista Agut was no easy task given his limited match practice since returning to the tour.
The opening set proved tricky for Draper, who looked somewhat off his game with several returns going astray.
But something clicked at the start of the second set, and he switched to a more aggressive approach that paid dividends immediately.
Jack Draper admitted his lengthy injury has left him feeling off the pace
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REUTERS
A series of powerful returns culminated in a stunning backhand winner down the line, giving him an early break and a 2-0 advantage over the Spaniard.
From there, Draper’s confidence grew with each service game, racing to 5-2 with a love hold before sealing the set.
He carried that momentum into the decider, breaking Bautista Agut twice to take command at 5-2.
The veteran Spaniard refused to go quietly, creating three break point opportunities in the eighth game of the final set.
Comeback complete ✅
Jack Draper’s Indian Wells title defence gets off to the PERFECT start against Roberto Bautista Agut 🙌 pic.twitter.com/dlYvadHiQZ
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) March 7, 2026
But Draper held his nerve, firing down some thunderous serves to save all three before clinching victory.
“These wins are massive for me, especially on my return to the tour,” he explained.
“My levels in practice are always good, but when it comes to the match court, I am definitely a bit in and out with my consistency.”
Draper remains optimistic that more competitive matches will sharpen his game, adding: “I am improving most days, so hopefully I can just carry on doing what I do with the right attitude.”
