Jack Draper 'really proud' to open Indian Wells title defence with victory over Roberto Bautista Agut after injury torment
Updated 07/03/2026 at 23:04 GMT
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Jack Draper reached a career high of No. 4 in men's tennis last year before a problem with his left arm curtailed his campaign, and he has since dropped to No. 14. His comeback continues in 2026, and on Saturday he reached the third round of Indian Wells after a three-set victory against Roberto Bautista Agut. Speaking after his win, Draper reflected on a "difficult" afternoon's work.
Highlights: Draper makes winning start to Indian Wells defence
Video credit: SNTV
Defending champion Jack Draper came from a set down to beat Roberto Bautista Agut at Indian Wells in a "difficult" second-round clash.
The 24-year-old British No. 1 secured a 3-6 6-3 6-2 triumph against his Spanish opponent, as he made a bright start to his title defence and continued his return from a troublesome left arm injury.
In the 2025 edition of the tournament, Draper scored a famous win against Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals, before going on to defeat Holger Rune in the final, in what is the biggest title of his career so far.
Draper reached a career-high ranking of No. 4 in the following months, but his absence has seen him drop to No. 14, as he was forced to miss several prestigious events, with his US Open campaign cut short, before sitting out of the ATP Finals and this year's Australian Open.
Having been out since August, Draper marked his return with victory over Viktor Durasovic at the Davis Cup, before reaching the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships, where he was defeated by Arthur Rinderknech.
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Video credit: SNTV
And there was a fairly routine look about Draper's performance as he dispatched Bautista Agut in California on Saturday, despite having to come from a set behind after a slow start.
Draper said he found his comeback difficult after suffering from another injury.Â
"It was difficult," Draper said. "Even though from the moment I got here last week, I have felt the love and special feelings being back here, but at the same time I haven’t played in a long time and have had a difficult injury, so mixed emotions.Â
"But I am really glad with the way I came through in the second and third sets against a formidable opponent in Roberto.Â
"He is someone who has played such amazing tennis on the Tour. I am proud of my performance."
Draper dominated with his forehand, hitting 24 winners with the previously-injured arm. Twenty of those came in the last two sets, and he won all nine points he contested at the net - per ATP.
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Draper will face Francisco Cerundolo in the third round, after the Argentine beat Benjamin Bonzi on Saturday.
Reflecting on his progress, Draper added: "To come out and play the level I am playing after the injury I had, I am really proud of that."
Elsewhere on Saturday, No. 13 seed Casper Ruud defeated Alexander Shevchenko 6-1 7-6(4). Men's tennis world No. 1 and last year's losing semi-finalist Carlos Alcaraz plays later on Saturday against hugely experienced Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov.
Aside from Draper, Cameron Norrie also represents British interest at Indian Wells, as he takes on home hope Mackenzie McDonald. The unseeded Jacob Fearnley, meanwhile, faces 2022 champion Taylor Fritz.
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