Red-hot Draper knocks out Fritz to make Indian Wells quarter-finals

No 13 seed Jack Draper won against American Taylor Fritz, the No 3 seed, 7-5, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals of the Indian Wells Masters in California on Wednesday.

The Brit was exceptional behind his first serve winning 32 of 35 points over the course of the one-hour, 18-minute clash. He was clean off the ground as well, striking 21 winners to 11 unforced errors with his forehand finishing 14 times.

Only once did Draper wobble, when serving for the match up a double break at 5-2 in the second. Fritz broke back then held easily, putting pressure on Draper to serve out the match again at 5-4. He did so in style, however, firing down multiple service winners to close out his third win over a top-five player and seventh top-10 victory.

The 23-year-old is through to his third ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final now, and first in Indian Wells, with 11th seed Ben Shelton waiting in the last eight.

Draper thrilled with level against Fritz

After the match, Draper shared in his on-court interview that this was some of his best tennis ever.

“I felt great, it’s the best match I’ve played here so far in all three years I’ve been here,” Draper said. “I was really happy with the way I was sharp, I moved great, I competed well.

“You know, there were a few moments where I was really brave and that’s something I spoke to my coach about before the match. When you have chances against these types of players you have to take them. Taylor’s such an amazing player, so to come through in the way I did, I’m really proud of that.”

The world No 14 has had his fair share of physical struggles in the past, but now says that this is “100 percent” the strongest he has ever felt.

“I was building some amazing stuff at the end of last year, I was moving great, playing great, seeing the ball great,” he reflected. “Then you know, I had a bit of a break at the start of the year when I was injured.

“But now, all those problems, with the way I’ve adjusted my schedule and things, it’s really helped me. I’m really happy with the way me and my team have worked, the hard work is paying off now.”

Of his match up against home favourite Shelton, Draper is licking his lips to get on court against the up-and-coming talent.

“I’m very excited for that match up,” he said. “I haven’t played Ben. He’s an amazing young talent like myself, he brings such an energy to the court, the changing room. He’s one of the nicest guys around. I’m looking forward to getting out there and competing, and hopefully getting back on this court one more time.”

Jack Draper beat Brazilian wildcard Joao Fonseca (6-4, 6-0) and American Jenson Brooksby (7-5, 6-4) ahead of his victory.

Earlier in the tournament, Fritz, ranked No 4, defeated Italian qualifier Matteo Gigante (6-3, 7-5) and Chilean Alejandro Tabilo, the No 30 seed (4-6, 6-3, 6-1).

Indian Wells Masters 1000, other last 16 results (Indian Wells Tennis Garden, hard, USD 13.042.410, most recent results first):

• Grigor Dimitrov vs. Carlos Alcaraz
• Francisco Cerundolo (25) beat Alex De Minaur (9): 7-5, 6-3
• Ben Shelton beat Brandon Nakashima (32): 7-6 (6), 6-1
• Daniil Medvedev (5) beat Tommy Paul (10): 6-4, 6-0
• Arthur Fils (20) beat Marcos Giron: 6-2, 2-6, 6-3
• Holger Rune (12) beat Stefanos Tsitsipas (8): 6-4, 6-4
• Tallon Griekspoor beat Yosuke Watanuki (Q): 7-6 (4), 6-1