Draper is on the edge of his first irruption in the top 10 | ATP Tour

indian-wells-7851

Draper is on the edge of his first irruption in the top 10

The British advanced semifinals in Indian Wells on Thursday

March 14, 2025

The weekend there will be a battle between four for the title in the BNP Paribas Open and, in parallel, a hand to hand between the British Jack Draper and the Danish Holger Rune for the PIF ATP Rankings.

The 23-year-old left-hand is now in position No. 11 of the live ranking, after defeating the American Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5 to reach his first semifinals at the ATP Masters level 1000. While Rune, Verdugo de Tallon Griekspoor by winning 5-7, 6-0, 6-3, figure in position No. 13.

If the British wins his next duel against the Spanish Carlos Alcaraz he will secure his first irruption in the top 10 of the PIF ATP Rankings, as long as Rune loses his semifinal duel with Daniil Medvedev on the same day.

If both advance to the final, the ascent to Top 10 will be left by the champion of the tournament. And if both lose in the semifinals, they will appear on Monday in the positions in which they currently appear in the live ranking, no matter who ends up winning the tournament.

Draper’s personal record on the ranks is No. 12, so a defeat of both on Saturday would also ensure his ranking. Only the title of Rune, ex No. 4 of the world, and a defeat in the semifinals would prevent it from appearing in box No. 11 after the first 1000 masters of the year.

FIRST CLASSIFICATION TO SEMIFINALS OF MASSERS 1000 👏

¡🇬🇧@jackdraper0 intimidated in the desert!@Tennistv | @Bnpparibasopen pic.twitter.com/7SFu9IIuBf

– ATP Tour en Español (@atppour_es) March 14, 2025

Draper has reasons to excite himself to continue advancing in Indian Wells. In fact, he has won the eight sets he has played in the fortnight, including those on Thursday that took after an hour and 40 minutes against Shelton.

The 0-3 disadvantage in the second partial meant its only moment of crisis, but it unlocks it quickly and a new break in 5-5 gave it the key to getting its victory No. 90 in the ATP Tour. On Saturday you will pursue one more that could mean its debut among the top ten in the world.

“It means a lot to me,” Draper said about his best streak at AP Masters 1000. “That is why I play, so I effort my team so much: to play these games on these courts, especially in a place like this. It is what I have wanted since childhood, and being here now is a bit surreal.

“But this is the tennis. I keep going, I want more and I am already looking forward to the next game.”

Did you know what …?
Jack Draper seeks to become the fifth British player to reach the Top 10 of the PIF ATP Rankings (created in 1973). It would match Greg Rusedski, Tim Henman, Andy Murray and Cameron Norrie.