California: Britain's Jack Draper claimed his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory over Denmark's Holger Rune in the Indian Wells final on Sunday.
The 14th-ranked Draper, who stunned two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals, delivered a flawless performance, not facing a single break point and wrapping up the match in just 69 minutes.
With this victory, the 23-year-old is set to make his top 10 debut, rising to world No. 7 when the new rankings are released on Monday.
“It’s incredible,” said Draper, who battled hip tendinitis earlier this year and endured a shoulder injury in 2023. “I’m just so grateful to be playing, feeling healthy, and seeing all the hard work pay off on the big stage.”
In his first Masters 1000 final, Draper raced to a 4-0 lead as Rune struggled with nerves, committing 10 unforced errors in the opening set. Draper dropped only four points on serve before sealing the set when Rune sent a backhand into the net.
Draper maintained his dominance in the second set, breaking Rune early and sealing the victory on his second match point when the Dane sent another backhand long.
Draper's remarkable run to the title included victories over 2022 Indian Wells champion Taylor Fritz, American rising star Ben Shelton, and world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz.
“I feel like I deserve it,” Draper said. “To be world No. 7 tomorrow means everything after all I’ve been through.”
