Jack Draper said he was feeling “incredible” after his win over Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells, but can he take this form into his next clash with Daniil Medvedev?
Draper, the defending champion, rallied from a set down to beat five-time champ Djokovic in the fourth round on Wednesday..
The 24-year-old, who is coming back after missing eight months due to an arm injury, advanced to the quarter-finals and will face Medvedev, who beat Alex Michelsen 6-2 6-4 in the round of 16.
The in-form Medvedev needed just one hour and 27 minutes to overcome his American opponent, and is flying high having won last month’s Dubai Open.
Draper: I’m not playing anywhere near the way I want to play
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Highlights of the Indian Wells match between Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper
Despite his first ever win over Djokovic, Draper admitted he was not feeling at his best ahead of the next round on Thursday, live on Sky Sports Tennis, at midnight.
“Just an incredible feeling,” said Draper, who took two hours and 35 minutes to beat the Serbian 4-6 6-4 7-6 (7-5) in one of the best wins of his career.
“I’m out here against Novak, to me the greatest tennis player there is, and someone I’ve been admiring and watching since I was a little kid.
“So to do that, I was just incredibly proud of myself. It gives me so much confidence. I still don’t feel like I’m playing anywhere near the way I want to play.
“I came out here tonight and I won that match through determination and trying to problem solve and do my best and have a great attitude.”
Medvedev: When I’m confident, I’m aggressive
Medvedev is in fine form going into the clash with Draper. Pic: Reuters
Draper and Medvedev have only played each other once before, when the Russian won in straight sets in the second round at the ATP Masters 1000 Rome.
Medvedev was aggressive in his win over Michelson, finishing with a 9-1 edge in aces. Following the game, he promised to take that aggression into the contest with Draper.
He said: “When I’m in confidence, I’m an aggressive player.
“So when I’m hitting the ball the way I hit now, I can be aggressive and can put a lot of pressure on my opponents and still be able to be great in defence, and that’s what makes it tough.”
Henman praises ‘unbelievable’ Draper display
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Tim Henman acted as a cheerleader during Draper’s win over Novak Djokovic, but what did the Sky Sports pundit say to the British No 1?
Former British No 1 Tim Henman heralded Draper’s display: “Unbelievable performance – a real rollercoaster. The first two sets, they each had their moments and the early part of the third was absolutely vital. Draper took the match by the scruff of the neck. He got the break. Djokovic looked like he was cooked. He was absolutely exhausted out there.
“Jack had the opportunity at 5-4, to serve the match, and by his own admission, said he completely choked, and we’ve all been there, but the way he was able to regroup and get that tie-break was a phenomenal effort.
“It’s so good for him mentally, physically, emotionally to come through against Djokovic which is why you put the hard yards in. He showed at the end of the match when he got a little bit nervous that he hasn’t played many matches. This was only his sixth so to get through that rollercoaster and come out on top, it was really a great night for Jack Draper.”
Draper’s fellow countryman, Cam Norrie, will take on world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz after beating Australia’s Rinky Hijikata 6-4 6-2.
The Spaniard had beaten Norway’s Casper Ruud in straight sets.
In the other quarter-final games, Jannik Sinner will face Learner Tien and Arthur Fils takes on Alexander Zverev.
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