Jack Draper was left 'overwhelmed' after defeating Novak Djokovic for the first time to reach the quarter-finals at Indian Wells, keeping his title defence on track. The Briton won 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) in a gripping battle lasting over two and a half hours.
Playing only his second ATP tournament since returning from an eight-month arm injury, Draper saved his best for the deciding tie-break. Djokovic broke serve to take the opening set, but Draper levelled before edging the decider.
Djokovic, 38, began to tire in the final set as gruelling points took their toll. Draper missed his first chance to serve out the match at 5-4 but regrouped to clinch victory when Djokovic netted a backhand on match point.
Draper said: 'It was a crazy match. I’m just overwhelmed to beat Novak, someone I have watched and admired since I was a kid.' He will face 11th seed Daniil Medvedev in the next round.
Djokovic praised Draper, saying: 'He’s playing really well, confident and physically very fit – just overall a great player.' Meanwhile, Cameron Norrie also advanced to the quarter-finals after beating Rinky Hijikata, setting up a clash with world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz.
Sonay Kartal, however, was forced to retire with a back injury while trailing Elena Rybakina 6-4, 4-3. Kartal said: 'Today it was unfortunately one match too many.'
