Defender Draper scratches out a win

Jack Draper kicked off his title defence at the Indian Wells Masters on Saturday with a scratchy win, with the Brit overcoming wily Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Draper is hoping to methodically lift his form after missing eight months with an bone-bruise arm injury and ending last season at the US Open.

The newly buzz-cut No. 14 hit nine aces and saved six of seven break points against his serve to reach the third round in the desert. Draper defended a 5-2 lead in the final set as he saved three break points in the closing game., .

The event is his first on the Tour since winning a round in Dubai before exiting.48 hours later.

“The one thing taking a bit of time is the consistency on the match court.” he said. “Practice is different. I have been practicing pretty well for a long time.

“Coming back I’ve had to be deliberate and quite slow with what I’m doing.”

Draper added that jumping back to the Tour relatively cold is a challenge.

“It’s difficult, because getting out here, you’re thrown straight into the deep. You have to quickly adapt to their (opponent’s) play, and remain focused all the time.

“But the more matches I get like today where I’m able to come through some difficult moments and play better for it, I think it will help me.”

Draper was joined by fellow injury-return compatriot Cam Norrie, the 2021 title winner who crushed  American Mackenzie McDonald 6-2, 6-3 while Jacob Fearnley failed to make it a British hat-trick after going down 6-3 6-7 (8) 6-1 to Taylor Fritz.

He built a 5-2 lead in the third and saved three break points in the final game.

Main photo:- Jack Draper is defending his 2025 title