By Kwame Bediako
British number one Jack Draper pulled off a stunning upset by defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz 6-1 0-6 6-4 to reach the final of the Indian Wells. The victory marked Draper’s first appearance in an ATP Masters 1000 final and ensured that he will rise inside the world’s top 10 for the first time.
Draper dominated the first set, winning 6-1 in just 25 minutes, but Alcaraz stormed back to take the second set 6-0. The match turned in Draper’s favour in the third set, thanks in part to a controversial moment at 1-1 and 15-15 on the Alcaraz serve. Alcaraz was initially awarded the point, but Draper successfully challenged the ruling and went on to break Alcaraz’s serve.
Draper broke Alcaraz’s serve again in the seventh game to take a 5-2 lead, and although Alcaraz broke back, Draper served out at the second attempt to clinch his place in the final. “It feels unbelievable. I’ve been through so much the last few years with injuries and setbacks. It feels incredible, but I’ve got another one tomorrow”; Draper said.
Draper will face Holger Rune in the final after the Norwegian 12th seed defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-5 6-2. The British number one is looking forward to the challenge, saying, “It was a strange match, in all honesty. Carlos came out a little flat; I sensed that. Against the top players in the world, they can change their momentum very quickly.”
The victory over Alcaraz marked a major milestone in Draper’s career, and he will be looking to cap off an impressive week with a win in the final.
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