Jack Draper said he was 'overwhelmed' after defeating Novak Djokovic for the first time to reach the Indian Wells quarter-finals, keeping his title defence alive. Playing just his second ATP tournament since returning from an eight-month arm injury, the Briton won a gripping encounter 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) in over two and a half hours.
'It was a crazy match,' Draper told reporters in California. 'I think both of us gave it our all. I'm just overwhelmed to obviously beat Novak, someone I have watched and admired and idolised since I was a kid.' The 23-year-old will face in-form 11th seed Daniil Medvedev on Thursday evening.
Djokovic broke serve to take the first set, but Draper levelled after retrieving an early break in the second. The 38-year-old Serb appeared exhausted in the decider, and Draper broke for a 5-4 lead before serving poorly to allow Djokovic back. However, the Briton regrouped and converted his first match point when Djokovic netted a backhand in the tie-break.
'I'm really proud of where I'm at with my game,' Draper added. 'Even though today is a big win, it's also a small win in my recovery and coming back to playing.' Djokovic praised Draper, calling him 'a great player, great guy'.
British No 2 Cameron Norrie also advanced to the quarter-finals after beating Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata, setting up a meeting with world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz. However, Sonay Kartal was forced to retire with a back injury while trailing Elena Rybakina 6-4, 4-3, ending British hopes of three quarter-finalists.
