Draper to Face Djokovic
Jack Draper, last year's Indian Wells champ, will face Novak Djokovic after defeating Francisco Cerundolo Indian Wells ATP 2026. Some analysts believe Draper is playing well enough to win in straight sets GTL Tennis Podcast.
Draper's victory over Cerundolo marks his first top 20 win since the Madrid Open last year. It's also the first time he has recorded back-to-back wins at a tournament since June. Draper won the match against Cerundolo 6-1, 7-5. Draper is set to face Djokovic in the fourth round, marking their second career meeting. Their first encounter was at Wimbledon in 2021, where Draper won the first set but ultimately lost in four. Djokovic has acknowledged the challenge Draper poses, recognizing his high level of play. Draper, the defending Indian Wells champion, is currently ranked No. 14 in the world. Djokovic, holding the No. 3 spot, has won Indian Wells five times. Djokovic is aiming to reach the later rounds of the tournament. Draper has been working his way back from an arm injury that caused him to miss a significant portion of the 2025 season. He has made changes to his service motion to protect his arm. Draper also switched to natural gut strings in his racquet.
