The 24-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic, faced a tough night in the desert as he exited the 2026 Indian Wells Masters following a surprising defeat by Britain’s Jack Draper. Draper secured victory in a thrilling match lasting over two-and-a-half hours, winning 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) and defeating Djokovic for the first time in his career.
Following his loss, Djokovic praised Draper for his remarkable win and expressed gratitude to the fans for their support throughout the tournament. In a post on X, Djokovic acknowledged the challenging match, congratulated Draper, and appreciated the energy from his supporters, referring to the event as a “tennis paradise.”
Djokovic commended Draper’s performance and comeback from injury during the post-match conference, highlighting the British player’s consistent high level of play. He noted Draper’s confidence, physical fitness, and suitability to the tournament conditions, wishing him success for the remainder of the competition. Draper, currently on a nine-match winning streak in California, is set to face Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals, while Djokovic looks ahead to the upcoming Miami Open in late March.
