Jack Draper achieved an incredible upset on Saturday by defeating Carlos Alcaraz with a score of 6-1, 0-6, 6-4 at Indian Wells. With this victory, Draper prevented the world number three from achieving a rare “three-peat.” His powerful forehand was a key factor in securing his place in his first Masters 1000 final, where he will face Holger Rune next.
The game swung wildly. “Carlos started flat,” Draper said on TV. Alcaraz double-faulted early, handing Draper a break. A sharp forehand sealed another in the sixth game. But the second set flipped. Alcaraz roared back, winning 6-0 as Draper faltered with 15 errors. “I got tired,” he admitted.
Carlos Alcaraz explains why he's 'upset' with controversial Indian Wells loss to Jack Draperhttps://t.co/Qtsg3qwu3x
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) March 16, 2025Alcaraz looked set to dominate the third. The crowd cheered him on. Yet, Draper fought back. He nailed a perfect shot to break in the third game. A backhand in the seventh gave him an edge. Alcaraz broke back, but Draper’s big serve clinched the Indian Wells final spot.
Holger Rune also earned his final berth. He topped Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-4. After seven straight semi-final losses, Rune broke through. A grueling first set saw traded breaks. He broke Medvedev in the 11th game and sealed it with a fierce forehand. “He’s tough to play,” Rune said.
Draper’s win ends Alcaraz’s 16-match Indian Wells streak. It pushes him into the top 10—possibly seventh with a title. “I’m proud of my fight,” he said. Rune aims to disrupt that climb. The Indian Wells final promises a thrilling clash on Sunday.
