Synopsis
On March 17, Jack Draper celebrated a significant milestone by winning his first ATP Masters 1000 title at the Indian Wells Open, defeating Holger Rune in a stunning final. This victory not only marks his career's peak but also a notable rise in ATP rankings.Key Takeaways
- Jack Draper won his first ATP Masters 1000 title.
- He defeated Holger Rune with a score of 6-2, 6-2.
- Both players were outside the Top 10, an unusual occurrence.
- Draper will rise to No. 7 in ATP Rankings.
- This final featured young players under 23.
Indian Wells, March 17 (NationPress) Jack Draper stepped up in the most significant final of his career during the Indian Wells Open, securing his inaugural ATP Masters 1000 title.
The 23-year-old British player achieved a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory over Holger Rune in the championship match. Draper and Rune made history as the first players outside the Top 10 to face off in a Masters final since 2021 in Indian Wells.
"It's unbelievable. I didn't foresee this happening. I've dedicated considerable effort over time, and I'm just incredibly thankful and ecstatic to be out here, feeling healthy both physically and mentally.
"All the hard work I've invested over the past few years seems to be converging on this grand stage, and I find it difficult to articulate that feeling," Draper expressed moments after his one-hour and nine-minute triumph.
Draper only dropped four points on serve during the first set, as per Infosys ATP Stats, and even had a break opportunity for a 5-0 lead. He achieved a break in the initial game of the second set and cruised to victory without facing a single break point, as reported by ATP.
To reach the final, Draper eliminated top contenders, including two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and American players Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz.
Along with securing his third ATP Tour title and his first on outdoor hard courts, Draper is set to make his debut in the Top 10. On Monday, he is expected to advance seven spots to No. 7 in the ATP Rankings.
Sunday's final marked the first ATP Masters 1000 match between two players born in the 2000s and the first final contested by players outside the Top 10 since World No. 26 Cameron Norrie defeated No. 36 Nikoloz Basilashvili in the 2021 Indian Wells final.
Moreover, this final was the first in Indian Wells featuring players aged 23 or younger since Rafael Nadal (22) triumphed over Andy Murray (21) in 2009, according to ATP statistics.
