Jack Draper defeated Francisco Cerundolo to arrange a fourth-round conflict with Novak Djokovic within the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.
The Briton claimed a 6-1 7-5 victory and can now face Djokovic for the primary time since Wimbledon in 2021, when the Serb received in 4 units on the best way to the sixth of his seven titles on the All England Membership.
Djokovic booked his place within the fourth spherical earlier within the day as he beat American Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-4 1-6 6-4 to achieve the final 16 for the primary time since 2017.
“The tennis is one factor. The particular person and the participant I have been watching since I used to be a younger boy… for my part he is the best participant of all time,” Draper advised Sky Sports activities.
“He is proven yr in, yr out by way of his consistency that he is the largest champion of all of them.
Highlights of the Indian Wells match between Novak Djokovic and Aleksandar Kovacevic
“If you go up towards him you realize he’ll be there mentally, you realize he’ll make it an extremely robust match and play some loopy tennis, and I’ll should be prepared for that and up my recreation.
“Undoubtedly going to should compete laborious and put together properly.”
Draper opened the defence of his Indian Wells crown with a victory over Roberto Bautista Agut as he continues his comeback from a prolonged damage lay-off.
The 24-year-old received 79 per cent of first-serve factors towards Cerundolo however transformed simply six of 14 break factors as he was pushed laborious within the second set.
“Within the final eight months I’ve actually needed to be again out on court docket however needed to settle for that it was going to be a fairly long-term damage I used to be going to have,” he stated.
“It is actually good to get again within the feeling the place I will play back-to-back matches as a result of there was a degree the place if I performed one apply session I could not do one other one.
“To be right here, I am very grateful whatever the approach I am enjoying.”
Highlights of the Indian Wells match between Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur
Britain’s Cameron Norrie, the 2021 champion at Indian Wells, additionally superior to the fourth spherical due to a 6-4 6-4 win over sixth seed Alex de Minaur.
Watch the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells reside on Sky Sports activities till March 15. Stream tennis with NOW, contract-free.
