Draper increasing confidence with IW win

Jack Draper used the confidence earned just weeks ago in Australia to power past Jensen Brooksby with a 7-5, 6-4 win into the fourth round of the Indian Wells Masters on Monday.

The 13th-seeded Brit built up match toughness in Melbourne, where he won three back-to-back five-set matches at the Open and reached the fourth round before losing to Carlos Alcaraz through retirement.

He then played the final last month in Doha against Andrey Rublev.

The Brit overcame a slow start against No. 937 Brooksby to advance in the Californian desert, trailing 4-1 in the opening set before clicking his game into gear.

“Jenson is an unorthodox player, he makes life really difficult,” the winner said.

 “He doesn’t make the rhythm easy. I got off to a slow start, I missed a couple of opportunities early on. But I’m glad of the way I fought and competed. 

“Even though it wasn’t my best tennis today, I’m really happy with the way I tried my best to stay cool.”

The 23-year-old winner of two ATP titles advanced despite 26 unforced errors but got out of trouble with his serve.

Draper said his season so far has been a learning experience.

“”I was not ready to play in Australia but coming through those long matches gave me confidence.

“I had not been sure about pushing the body in those five-setters. But that was the last piece of the puzzle, being able to push on.

“Knowing you have it in you is good. I’m still a work in progress but I’m looking forward to getting more experience.”

Main photo:- Jack Draper winning third round match in Indian Wells – by Pete Staples/ATPTour.com