In a thrilling semifinal match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, British tennis player Jack Draper defeated two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz with a scoreline of 6-1, 0-6, 6-4, ending Alcaraz’s 16-match winning streak at the tournament.
This victory propels Draper into his first ATP Masters 1000 final, where he will face Denmark’s Holger Rune.
The match was marked by an unprecedented incident involving a double VAR review. During a pivotal moment in the deciding set, umpire Mohamed Lahyani initially awarded a point to Alcaraz, believing Draper had failed to return the ball before a second bounce. Draper challenged this decision, leading to a VAR review that confirmed his return was legitimate. A subsequent review awarded the point to Draper, as Alcaraz missed the return. This incident proved to be a turning point, with Draper breaking Alcaraz’s serve and ultimately securing the match.
Holger Rune, seeded 12th, advanced to the final by defeating fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev 7-6, 6-4. This victory marks Rune’s return to an ATP Masters 1000 final, having previously won the 2022 Rolex Paris Masters.
The upcoming final between Draper and Rune is highly anticipated, as both pl
ayers have showcased exceptional form throughout the tournament.
Draper’s performance at Indian Wells has been remarkable, with victories over top-10 opponents, including his semifinal win against Alcaraz. This run has secured him a debut in the ATP Top 10 rankings, where he is projected to rise to No. 8.
Rune, aiming for his second Masters 1000 title, has also demonstrated consistent excellence, making the final an exciting matchup between two of the sport’s rising stars.
The final is scheduled for Sunday, with both players seeking a breakthrough title in the California desert. Their contrasting styles and recent performances suggest a closely contested match, promising an exhilarating conclusion to the tournament.
