Jack Draper says he is “looking forward to another shot” at world No 3 Carlos Alcaraz at Indian Wells, with the duo set to meet at the semi-final stage on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Tennis.
Draper defeated American Ben Shelton 6-4 7-5 in the quarter-finals on Thursday evening and previously knocked out world No 4 Taylor Fritz in the round of 16.
The Brit has met Alcaraz once before at Indian Wells in a last-16 clash in 2023, with Alcaraz progressing after Draper was forced to withdraw injured while 6-2 2-0 behind.
The pair have met twice since, with Draper beating Alcaraz 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 in the last 16 at Queen’s in 2024, but the Spaniard knocked Draper out of the 2025 Australian Open in January.
“It feels incredible to do it [reach a first Masters 1000 semi-final], here in Indian Wells as well, a tournament I’ve watched since I was young,” Draper told Sky Sports Tennis.
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Jack Draper analyses his performance against Ben Shelton and looks ahead to a semi-final with Carlos Alcaraz
“Watching all the greats play on these courts, it means the world to me. Honestly, it’s why I play, why I put in all the hard work with my team and yes, I feel amazing today.
“Alcaraz is going for the three-peat but he loves these conditions. He plays amazing out here.
“I faced him once out here already and I was a bit injured in that match, so I’m looking forward to getting another shot.
“I look forward to competing hard, giving it my all as always and trying to bring some really good times.”
Draper will take on Alcaraz following Holger Rune’s semi-final with Daniil Medvedev, not before 9:30pm UK time.
Henman: An amazing opportunity
Image: Draper will go into his semi-final against Alcaraz as the underdog
“Jack Draper has played absolutely brilliantly in his four matches here, taking out three American’s, including Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton in the last round, and I think – importantly – he had a day off before the match so that he’s fresh,” the former British No 1 told Sky Sports Tennis.
“Previously he’s had injury troubles against Alcaraz, but he’s beaten him before so it’s a huge opportunity. He goes in as the underdog but nothing to lose.”
Laura Robson said: “Alcaraz was excited about facing a healthy Jack Draper. He holds him in such high regard and thinks he’s going to be one of the best players in the world over the years to come, and he’s been kind of disappointed in previous matches when he hasn’t faced Jack when he hasn’t been healthy.
“The match in Australia when Jack had to retire was a bit of a bummer for everyone involved but now a brand new opportunity for both of them.
“Given the conditions, the courts are certainly favouring both of their game styles, making things really interesting.”
The tactics: Draper has to take it to Alcaraz
Image: What has Draper got to do in order to upset Alcaraz?
“Jack’s got a great weapon on the serve,” said Henman. “He’s a lefty and he’s had really good rhythm as these matches have gone on.
“He’s got to hit his spots and get some free points. Alcaraz is a great returner, but Draper has got to look to dictate and use his big forehand. He’s got to be aggressive in the backhand side and he’s got to take it to Alcaraz.
“If he’s too passive then, with Alcaraz’s weapons, it’s going to be difficult for Jack.”
Draper: Alcaraz is setting the benchmark
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Alcaraz hailed fans dressed as bees at Indian Wells…
Draper says Alcaraz is doing amazing things for the sport, not only for the players but also for the spectators.
“Carlos is obviously a great champion, already doing amazing things in the game, so good for the sport – not only for the players but for also spectators to watch him,” said the 23-year-old.
“He’s setting the benchmark really high and that’s good for a player like myself, because I watch him and play against him, and I think about what I need to do to be at his level and to hopefully compete for big events.
“I think it will be a great match. He brings so much to the court, especially in these conditions. He absolutely loves these courts.”
‘I didn’t know what to expect from Shelton – he’s a hard problem to solve’
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Highlights of the quarter-final match between Draper and Shelton at Indian Wells
Of his quarter-final victory over fellow leftie Shelton, Draper admitted it was far from straightforward.
“In all honesty, I didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “I’ve only hit with him maybe once on court.
“You know, it’s very different watching someone on the TV. I obviously know what he brings but when you’re actually facing someone on court, it’s pretty hard to problem-solve against someone who gives you no rhythm like that.
“He has a very unorthodox style, huge serve, huge forehand, can hit a winner off anything off the forehand and puts a lot of slices on the backhand.
“I found it difficult at the start but I thought I kept my composure really well in tough conditions, and I’m proud of the way I competed.”
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