Indian Wells: Jack Draper beats Holger Rune for first Masters 1000 title; enters top-10 for first time

Jack Draper, of Nice Britain, poses with the winner’s trophy on the BNP Paribas Open tennis event on March 16, 2025, in Indian Wells, California
| Photograph Credit score: AP

Jack Draper overwhelmed Holger Rune 6-2, 6-2 in just a little greater than an hour within the ultimate of the BNP Paribas Open, reaching two huge milestones by claiming his first Masters 1000 title and incomes his debut within the prime 10 of the ATP rankings.

Draper, a 23-year-old from Britain who was seeded thirteenth on the hard-court event within the California desert, constructed up a 21-7 benefit in winners in opposition to Rune whereas additionally making fewer unforced errors.

Draper’s left-handed serve was notably essential: He hit 10 aces, gained 21 of his 23 first-serve factors and by no means allowed Rune to earn a single break level.

“You by no means know when it is your time,” stated Draper, a U.S. Open semifinalist in September. “I misplaced first spherical right here final 12 months, so I did not get to expertise the event an excessive amount of. … However I would say that is considered one of my favourite tournaments now, in fact.”

He’ll rise from No. 14 to a career-high No. 7 within the rankings on Monday.

“I really feel,” Draper stated, “like I deserve it.”

Andreeva defeats Sabalenka

Earlier Sunday, 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva of Russia collected her second consecutive Masters 1000 title by getting previous No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Rune is a 21-year-old from Denmark who was seeded twelfth at Indian Wells.

Their matchup was the primary ATP Masters 1000 ultimate anyplace between two males born within the 2000s and the primary at Indian Wells between two aged 23 or youthful since Rafael Nadal, 22, beat Andy Murray, 21, in 2009.

Jack Draper, of Nice Britain, returns to Holger Rune, of Denmark, in the course of the ultimate match on the BNP Paribas Open tennis event
| Photograph Credit score:
AP

“Robust day for me, however I’ve to begin with congratulating Jack,” Rune stated. “You’ve got been exhibiting some unbelievable tennis and, for certain, you deserved to win at present.”

Draper bought to the ultimate by eliminating two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz within the semifinals on Friday.

“I wasn’t anticipating this. I put in a variety of work over time,” Draper stated. “I am simply so grateful and so glad to … have the ability to play, my physique feeling wholesome and to really feel nice within the thoughts.”