British number one tennis player Jack Draper has broken his silence after an "emotional" return to the Indian Wells Open, where he secured a triumphant victory following a long-term arm injury.
The 24-year-old faced Serbian champion Novak Djokovic in a match that lasted two hours and 35 minutes, ultimately emerging victorious with a 4–6, 6–4, 7–6 (7–5) win. Jack is now set to face Russian star Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals.
Jack and Novak had only played each other once before, at the Wimbledon Championships in 2021. And while Novak is a five-time champion at the Indian Wells Open, it was Jack – who won the title in 2025 – who claimed victory this time around.
© Getty ImagesWhat did Jack Draper say?
Reflecting on his performance, Jack said the win came down to "determination and trying to problem-solve and do my best and have a great attitude."
"I'm proud of the way I regrouped," he continued. "I haven't been playing on the Tour [in] a long time, so to put away guys who are top players, it's something that comes with confidence."
While admitting there were some "tough" moments, he added that he was "really proud" he was able to claw his way back after Novak took the first set.
© Getty Images"For me, to be on court again these last few weeks has been emotional for me, and I'm really grateful for it," said Jack, who was forced to pull out of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) grand final in December due to his arm injury.
"To come out here against Novak, for me the greatest tennis player there is, and someone I've been admiring and watching since I was a little kid. To do that, I'm just incredibly proud of myself," he said.
What did Novak Djokovic say?
Despite admitting he had a "bitter feeling" after the loss, Novak was quick to praise his opponent.
© Getty Images"I lost to a great player," he said. ""He is confident and he was always confident and physically very fit. Just overall a great player, great guy. I wish him all the best for the rest of the tournament."
Jack Draper's injury
Jack first began experiencing discomfort in his upper arm last spring and was eventually forced to withdraw from both the US Open and the Australian Open.
Sharing the difficult news with fans on X at the time, Jack said: "Unfortunately, me and my team have decided not to head out to Australia this year. It was a really, really tough decision."
He added: "I've obviously been through a fair amount of setbacks but by far, this one has been the most difficult, the most challenging, the most complex one that I've had."
