Jack Draper Stuns Taylor Fritz to Reach Indian Wells Quarterfinals, Discusses British Tennis Culture
Jack Draper delivered a commanding performance in his fourth-round match at the 2025 Indian Wells Masters on Wednesday, March 12, securing a straight-sets victory over third seed Taylor Fritz to book his place in the quarterfinals.
Following his impressive win, the World No. 14 shared his thoughts on British tennis culture and how he, alongside Emma Raducanu, can contribute to the sport’s growth in their home country.
Draper Overcomes Early-Season Setback, Finds Form in Indian Wells
The 23-year-old Brit endured a tough start to the 2025 ATP season, struggling with a hip injury that forced him to retire during his Round-of-16 match against Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open. However, after a brief spell on the sidelines, Draper made a strong return by reaching the final at the Qatar Open—his fifth career tour-level final.
Now in Indian Wells, the 13th seed has carried his momentum forward, making his way through a tough draw. After receiving a first-round bye, Draper defeated Jenson Brooksby and Joao Fonseca before pulling off a commanding 7-5, 6-2 upset over 2022 champion Taylor Fritz.
Jack Draper on British Tennis Culture: “We Can Inspire a Lot of People to Play”
Speaking to the media after his victory, Draper reflected on the state of tennis culture in the UK, acknowledging that countries like Italy, Spain, and France have a more established system. However, he expressed optimism that British players like himself, Raducanu, and others can help grow the sport back home.
“I’d say our actual culture for tennis isn’t huge in the UK. Obviously, other tennis nations, you know, I think have it better with Italy, Spain, and France,” Draper said during his post-match press conference.
“They love tennis a lot more than we do as a nation, but I think, you know, hopefully with what’s to come with the grass season and players like myself, Emma, and other top players coming through, we can really put on a good show and inspire a lot of people to play.”
Draper Set for Quarterfinal Clash with Ben Shelton
Up next, Draper will face fellow lefty and American favorite Ben Shelton in the Indian Wells quarterfinals. This will mark their first-ever meeting on the ATP Tour, setting up an intriguing showdown between two rising stars.
Draper and Raducanu Thrived on Grass in 2024
Both Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu enjoyed strong grass-court seasons in 2024, showcasing their potential on home soil.
Draper claimed his maiden ATP title at the Stuttgart Open in June, while Raducanu reached the semifinals of the Rothesay Open in Nottingham—her best result of the season.
The 23-year-old Brit also made a deep run at the Queen’s Club Championships, reaching the quarterfinals, while Raducanu backed up her strong form with a solid performance at the Rothesay International.
Her momentum continued into Wimbledon, where she equaled her career-best Round of 16 finish at SW19.
With grass season approaching, both players will be aiming to build on their past successes and further boost British tennis on the global stage.
