Indian Wells: How Jack Draper got through ‘groundhog day’ to become Masters 1,000 champion
Draper’s rise has been steady over the past year.
His first trophy was on the grass in Stuttgart last June, followed by the ATP 500 hard game title in Vienna in October.
His entry to the U.S. Open semifinal attracted the attention of the wider British public, although his tension was illustrated by vomiting in court after he was eventually defeated by champion Jannik Sinner.
Draper started seeing a “breathing coach” to help with the problem, pointing out his third set against Alcaraz as an example of his improved calm.
“I had some questions before India Wells finally wondered if it would feel the same thing – but I didn’t,” he said.
“I’m really strong and focused on breathing and what I can control. That’s what I’m really proud of.”
The next step for a Masters champion is logical – to become a Grand Slam champion.
Winning Indian Wells does not guarantee major success in the future, but as Dominic Thiem, Naomi Osaka and Bianca Andreescu show, the best opponents are a strong indicator after 96 player fields.
The hardhouse surface is by far the most successful surface in Draper, but the next two specialties are on French open clay fields and Wimbledon grass.
He has struggled with clay so far, but improvements in his pace should help, and the increasingly dangerous serve and ground look great for grass success.
“I still feel like I have a lot to prove on clay,” Draper added.
“I didn’t get it last year, but I don’t understand why I can’t push that superficially best player.
“As for grass, I think my game has improved a lot since last year.”
