Indian Wells 2025 results: Jack Draper beats Joao Fonseca in California opener
Draper has only played two games this year – winning three in three straight games to reach the last 16 of the Australian Open before finishing second in Doha as he continued to manage his hip injury in the off-season.
His game against Fonseca attracted a large number of Brazilian fans, another example of his maturity.
Initially, Draper was below his best, showing resilience and calmness to subdue one of the fastest boosters on the ATP Tour.
“I feel like I’ve done a really good job and I’m proud of the way I compete, the way I move, and what the tactics do,” he said.
The buzz around Fonseca became the fourth young man to win the ATP Tour title since 2000, causing hundreds to arrive to ensure they have a place in the fourth fourth court in Wells, India.
Fonseca’s biggest weapon is a fierce forehand, and although he often shows relaxed power from the baseline, there are also signs of his inexperience.
At a time when the world’s No. 80 may need to be more subtle, he continues to pay a huge blow and pays the price as Draper goes bankrupt again in Game 9.
The British continued to fight back well and brought the opener to his second fixed point as Fonseca worked too hard to push another forehand.
Saving four of five breakout points was key to Draper, while Fonseca’s 23 unmand errors exceeded nine winners, another key statistic.
The more confident Draper greatly improved his first service rate, dominated the rally and moved drastically around the court.
The only hit in the second set was three consecutive double failures when he served for the game, but he recovered an impressive victory.
Draper knows that a strong running in the California desert could push him to his first career.
He added: “Every day, I still have a long way to go to build my tennis, fitness and mindset.”
“I got closer, but until I got there, I wasn’t the top ten players.”
