Dramatic Semi-Final Showdown at Indian Wells

In a match that will be remembered as a turning point in his career, 23-year-old British star Jack Draper produced a sensational performance to defeat four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz 6-1, 0-6, 6-4 in the semi-finals of the 2025 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

Match Turning Point: VAR-Style Review

The pivotal moment came in the third game of the decisive set with the score tied at 1-1. Chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani initially ruled that Draper had played a double-bounce on Alcaraz's drop shot. However, using the innovative video review system (a trial feature at Indian Wells), Draper successfully challenged the call, gaining a crucial 15-30 advantage that led to a service break.

"The video reviews are really good for tennis," said Draper post-match. "I'm proud of myself but I'm already thinking about the final."

Draper's Remarkable Comeback Story

This victory marks a stunning turnaround for Draper, who:

• Withdrew from his match against Alcaraz at January's Australian Open due to injury
• Has now reached finals in both tournaments he's played since (Doha and Indian Wells)
• Will break into the ATP Top 10 for the first time
• Becomes just the fifth British man to reach an ATP Masters 1000 final

Match Analysis

First Set (6-1 Draper):

• Draper won 8 of first 9 points
• Secured double break at 5-1
• Closed set in just 23 minutes

Second Set (0-6 Alcaraz):

• Alcaraz saved break point in opening game
• Spanish star dominated with powerful groundstrokes
• Draper appeared fatigued

Final Set (6-4 Draper):

• Draper reset with bathroom pep talk
• Crucial break came after video review
• Served out match on second attempt

Road to the Final

Draper's path to the championship match included victories over:

1. Teenage prodigy Joao Fonseca
2. Former Top 20 player Jenson Brooksby
3. World No. 4 Taylor Fritz
4. Australian Open semifinalist Ben Shelton

Championship Match Preview

Draper will face 13th-ranked Holger Rune in Sunday's final after the Dane defeated Russian Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-4. Should he win:

• First British Indian Wells champion since Tim Henman (2004)
• First ATP Masters 1000 title
• Projected to rise to World No. 8

Doubles Final Update

In the women's doubles final, Britain's Olivia Nicholls and partner Tereza Mihalikova fell 6-2, 7-6(4) to the team of Demi Schuurs and Asia Muhammad. Despite the loss, Nicholls will reach a career-high doubles ranking of 31.