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  • Novak Djokovic sends telling message to Jack Draper after losing Indian Wells Open blockbuster

    Novak Djokovic sent a classy message to Jack Draper after his defeat to the British star in a pulsating fourth round contest at the 2026 Indian Wells Open.

    Draper defeated Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(5) in two hours and 35 minutes on Wednesday to progress to the quarter-finals at the Masters 1000 event.

    The world No 14 is the defending champion in Indian Wells, having claimed the biggest title of his career so far in Tennis Paradise last year.

    It was just the second-ever encounter between Draper and Djokovic, with the legendary Serbian having won a four-set opening round match at Wimbledon in 2021.

    Djokovic, the world No 3, was chasing his first Indian Wells title since 2016 and sixth overall.

    In a post on Instagram, Djokovic commented on the conclusion of his campaign in the Californian desert and expressed his respect for Draper.

    “A tough night in the desert,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion wrote.

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    “Respect to @jackdraper, you deserve it. Great to see you back on court fighting fit. Keep it going.

    “And to everyone who supported me here this week, thank you for the energy. No place like tennis paradise. See you soon.”

    In his post-match press conference, Djokovic admitted he had a “bitter feeling” when asked to assess his tournament.

    “Yeah, I don’t know. I mean, bitter feeling right now, losing a match like this,” said the 38-year-old.

    “But proud of myself for fighting and really giving it all on the court. That’s for sure. That’s the one thing that I’ll take as a highlight, you know, just the fact of not giving up and trying.

    “I mean, obviously I lost to a great player, and it was really such an even match throughout the entire two-and-a-half hours.

    “But, yeah, just a bit disappointed, of course, with getting off the court, fresh off the court. It is okay. I mean, I wish I could have done better, but it was a good fight.”

    What next for Novak Djokovic?

    Djokovic is next expected to compete at the Miami Open — the second leg of the US Sunshine Double in March after Indian Wells.

    The tennis icon is on the entry list for the ATP Masters 1000 tournament, where main draw play will take place from 17 to 29 March.

    He was a runner-up in Miami in 2025 and has won six titles at the event — a record he shares with Andre Agassi.

    What next for Jack Draper?

    Draper will face world No 11 Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals in Indian Wells on Thursday.

    READ NEXT: Indian Wells Open: Novak Djokovic highlights crucial moment that ‘cost’ him during Jack Draper defeat

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  • Novak Djokovic ‘ran out of gas’, Naomi Osaka ‘tricked’, Emma Raducanu ‘one-dimensional’ – Indian Wells Open roundup

    Thursday’s news from the 2026 Indian Wells Open includes Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper’s reaction to their thrilling fourth round showdown.

    We also have news about Naomi Osaka being “tricked” by Aryna Sabalenka’s grunting and Greg Rusedski’s verdict on Emma Raducanu’s game.

    Here is our round-up of the biggest headlines from Tennis Paradise as the first combined ATP-WTA 1000 tournament of the season reaches the quarter-final stage.

    Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper react to blockbuster clash

    The much-anticipated last 16 matchup between reigning champion Jack Draper and five-time winner Novak Djokovic did not disappoint, with the Brit prevailing 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(7-5) in two hours and 35 minutes.

    Draper admitted he felt “overwhelmed” after beating Djokovic and said he had “idolised” the 24-time Grand Slam champion since his childhood.

    Djokovic revealed afterwards he “ran completely out of gas” after an epic point in the opening game of the third set, and the 38-year-old was also full of praise for Draper.

    Read more: Novak Djokovic highlights crucial moment that ‘cost’ him during Jack Draper defeat

    Naomi Osaka comments on Aryna Sabalenka’s grunting

    Naomi Osaka was beaten 6-2, 6-4 by world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the last 16 in Indian Wells.

    It was only the second-ever meeting between the pair after a clash at the 2018 US Open, and Osaka admitted it felt like she was playing Sabalenka for the first time.

    The Japanese star said she felt “tricked” by the lack of power on certain Sabalenka shots given the Belarusian star “grunts the same way for every ball.”

    Read more: Naomi Osaka reveals how Aryna Sabalenka’s grunting ‘tricked’ her in Indian Wells Open loss

    Greg Rusedski urges Emma Raducanu to add dimensions to her game

    Emma Raducanu was crushed 6-1, 6-1 in just 52 minutes by world No 6 Amanda Anisimova in the third round in Indian Wells.

    Greg Rusedski, a former world No 4 and US Open runner-up, offered some advice to the world No 24 on his Off Court With Greg Rusedski podcast.

    The former British No 1 argued Raducanu’s one-dimensional approach can be problematic against opponents like Anisimova if she does not have her A-game.

    Read more: Emma Raducanu gets candid advice in one-dimensional claim after Indian Wells hammering

    Jannik Sinner confronts spectator during Joao Fonseca win

    In the fourth round at the Masters 1000 event, Jannik Sinner claimed a hard-fought 7-6(6), 7-6(4) victory over Joao Fonseca in his first meeting with the 19-year-old Brazilian.

    Late in the opening set of the contest, Sinner appeared unhappy as he pointed at and spoke directly to a spectator sitting courtside.

    The conversation was not picked up by microphones, but the spectator had seemingly said something to provoke Sinner, who is renowned for his composure.

    Read more: WATCH: Jannik Sinner confronts Indian Wells spectator as umpire forced to step in

    Joao Fonseca speaks about competing with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz

    Following his impressive showing against Sinner, Fonseca was asked how his performance makes him feel about his ability to challenge both the Italian star and world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz.

    The Brazilian did not shy away from the topic and proclaimed that he has “the level” to contend with the top two.

    Read more: Joao Fonseca sends message to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz after Indian Wells Open exit

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  • Indian Wells Open: Novak Djokovic highlights crucial moment that ‘cost’ him during Jack Draper defeat

    Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper produced one of the rallies of the season during their gruelling Indian Wells Open clash and the 24-time Grand Slam winner believes that was a key factor to his defeat in the end.

    Third seed Djokovic won the opening set via a single break in game 10 before Draper broke twice in the second set to take the fourth-round match to a decider.

    And it was in the opening game of the third set with the score 30-30 on the Djokovic serve when they slugged it out for a 26-point rally that took a lot out of both players.

    The former world No 1 won the point and, although the British player had a break point later in the game, the Serbian saved it and managed to hold serve to go 1-0 up, but he believes it cost him a game later.

    After a comfortable hold from Draper, he broke to take a 1-2 lead and, although Djokovic managed to claim the break back later, the defending champion held his nerve during the tie-breaker to win 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5).

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    Asked what made the difference in the end, he replied: “One point. Yeah, one point.”

    The former Indian Wells champion then described THAT point, saying: “Yeah, I mean, it cost me a break after, you know. It was great winning that point in that game, but I just, like, ran completely out of gas and just started to feel a bit better towards basically end of the third.

    “He played a sloppy game to close it out 5-4, and, you know, I got the crowd, you know, backing me, and I felt the energy. It was, like, maybe I’m gonna take this one.

    “It was so close, so close. I mean, just unfortunate few mistakes from my side. Tiebreak, 4-3 up. 5-All, as well.

    “That’s tennis.”

    Djokovic was also full of praise for Draper, who is still nursing his way back after missing the latter half of the 2025 season due to an arm injury.

    “I don’t think there is any major difference in his level from what he has, you know, shown pre-injury,” the 38-year-old said. “I mean, he’s been playing at a great level, actually. I have watched him a little bit, had some highlights in Dubai that he has played there a few matches.

    “And here, obviously defending champion, he really likes the conditions, suiting his game, and you could see that. I mean, he’s playing really well. I mean, he’s confident and he was always confident and physically very fit.

    “You know, just overall a great player, great guy. I wish him all the best for the rest of the tournament.”

    The post Indian Wells Open: Novak Djokovic highlights crucial moment that ‘cost’ him during Jack Draper defeat appeared first on Tennis365.

  • Joao Fonseca sends message to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz after Indian Wells Open exit

    Joao Fonseca declared that he has “the level” to compete with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz after his loss to the former at the 2026 Indian Wells Open.

    The 19-year-old Brazilian fell 6-7(6), 6-7(4) to world No 2 Sinner in a pulsating last 16 contest lasting just over two hours at the Masters 1000 event.

    In his first-ever meeting with Sinner, Fonseca pushed the four-time Grand Slam champion hard and had three set points in the opening set tiebreak.

    The world No 35 is yet to face Carlos Alcaraz, the world No 1 and a seven-time major winner, in a competitive match.

    Following his defeat to Sinner in Indian Wells, Fonseca was asked how his performance against the Italian makes him feel about his ability to challenge the top two.

    “Well, I think the level, my level, it’s pretty, like, I mean… I can play against them (Alcaraz and Sinner). I can do some great matches,” Fonseca said.

    “But there is always the little things, the little important things that you need to work every day. I mean, those little details just super important, like when he played the important points, like how he deal with it.

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    “So of course a lot of experience, I still need it, but I think the level is still there. Of course far, but I can play against them.

    “I mean, of course, much more things to improve, but I feel happy the way that I played, because I felt the level was pretty close today.”

    Fonseca was also asked how the outcome of his first match with Sinner compared to his expectations prior to the match.

    “I mean, I wanted to win, of course, but like I said, I was happy the way that I played, because I put a lot of pressure,” said the Brazilian.

    “I think the rallies were good. I was putting pressure the way that I wanted, and yeah, I served well, I tried to do the returns that I could.

    “But he was serving well, as well. So, I mean, I think I kind of managed to — I mean, my expectations were okay. I was just trying to put what I could in the court and trying to see how it is.

    “Of course, I saw some opportunities, so I got a little bit more with a little bit of expectations, because you’re playing against ex-top 1 guy.

    “But yeah, like I say, the level was there, but the good things that I need to work with a lot of things to reach this level.”

    READ NEXT: WATCH: Novak Djokovic’s opponent takes dig at him after controversy in Indian Wells doubles loss

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  • WATCH: Jannik Sinner confronts Indian Wells spectator as umpire forced to step in

    Jannik Sinner appeared to confront a fan midway through his latest Indian Wells match, with the umpire forced to step in and address the situation.

    World No 2 and second Sinner kept his campaign at the Masters 1000 event alive on Tuesday, battling past Joao Fonseca 7-6(6), 7-4(4) in a high-quality contest inside Stadium 1.

    It was the first-ever meeting between the four-time Grand Slam champion and the rising Brazilian star, and it offered a potential taste of what could emerge to be a defining ATP Tour rivalry over the next decade.

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    However, despite sealing a hard-fought victory, there was a rather odd moment where Sinner appeared to directly address a fan inside the stadium, when serving at 6-5 down in the first set.

    The Italian seemed to be directly speaking towards one of the spectators sitting courtside, before umpire Greg Allensworth came onto the court to try and resolve the situation.

    Allensworth asked Sinner, “What’s going on?” — before stepping onto the court of play to approach the world No 2.

    The conversation between Sinner and the fan in question was not picked up on any microphones, but then Allensworth was heard saying: “Yeah guys, if we could just not talk during the point, we’d appreciate it.

    “For now, Jannik, come on.”

    Sinner then responded, commenting: “It’s all good, I just had a small word.”

    The incident did not appear to bother the world No 2 too much, with the Italian ultimately able to hold onto his serve before taking the first set in a tiebreak, and later sealing victory in just over two hours.

    Sinner was not asked about the incident during his post-match press conference, with the four-time Grand Slam champion yet to speak directly about it.

    After the toughest test of his campaign so far, the second seed will be back in action on Wednesday, facing another rising star of the men’s game.

    The Italian will face 25th seed Learner Tien in the last eight, with Sinner facing the American for the first time since defeating him in the China Open final last September.

    Sinner is searching for his first-ever Indian Wells title this week, having twice lost at the semi-final stage of the Masters 1000 event.

    He was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz at that stage in both 2023 and 2024, and missed the tournament in 2025 due to his three-month doping suspension.

    Indian Wells is the only Masters 1000 hard-court event that Sinner has yet to win, and he will fancy his chances of completing the set this week.

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    Read Next: Indian Wells: Tennis Channel commentators involved in on-air spat – ‘Let’s focus on the players’

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  • Naomi Osaka reveals how Aryna Sabalenka’s grunting ‘tricked’ her in Indian Wells Open loss

    Naomi Osaka has reacted to her defeat to Aryna Sabalenka at the 2026 Indian Wells Open and revealed how the Belarusian star’s grunting “tricked” her.

    The world No 16 was beaten 6-2, 6-4 by world No 1 Sabalenka in the fourth round of the WTA 1000 tournament in California on Tuesday. Osaka lost her serve three times and she was unable to break Sabalenka.

    It was only the second-ever match between Osaka and Sabalenka after the Japanese star’s victory over seven years ago at the 2018 US Open.

    Osaka and Sabalenka are two of the biggest stars on the WTA Tour, with the duo each having won four Grand Slam titles.

    In her post-match press conference, Osaka was asked if it felt like she was playing Sabalenka for the first time and if the feeling of the Belarusian’s ball was what she had expected.

    “No, it definitely felt like playing her for the first time. I think, like, obviously I could watch her on TV or whatever, but in reality, it’s very different,” said the 28-year-old.

    “I also feel like I was a little, like, flat-footed sometimes, because I expected the ball to be coming harder but then it didn’t. She grunts the same way for every ball. I was, like, ‘Oh, my God, she tricked me (smiling).’

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    “No, it was a cool learning experience. I know we haven’t played for a long time, so I hope that we can play again sometime soon.”

    Osaka added: “Yeah, I mean, it was definitely really tough, but honestly, my biggest takeaway is that I had a lot of fun.

    “I hadn’t gotten the opportunity to play on Stadium 1, and to play against the No 1 player, it was really cool.”

    Osaka defeated Camila Osorio and Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva in her first two matches in Indian Wells.

    Prior to her appearance in Tennis Paradise, Osaka had not played since January, when she was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open due to an abdominal injury.

    The former world No 1 was asked if she is confident that her injury troubles are behind her.

    “Yeah, I mean, I think I’m at an age now where I just have to, I’m at the ripe age of 28, that, I don’t know, I just have to take every day, like today obviously I didn’t win, but I learned a lot. I had a lot of fun, and I didn’t hurt myself,” Osaka said.

    “So that’s a W for me. I’m lucky that I’m able to play in Miami. I’m going to be seeded there. It’s quite different from last year, and yeah, I just want to continue doing well.

    “Yeah, I look forward to all the Grand Slams… So, it will be a cool year.”

    READ NEXT: Mirra Andreeva told she is ‘stagnant’, Alex Eala’s reaction & ranking milestone – Indian Wells Open roundup

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  • Mirra Andreeva told she is ‘stagnant’, Alex Eala’s reaction & ranking milestone – Indian Wells Open roundup

    Wednesday’s news from the 2026 Indian Wells Open includes Mirra Andreeva coming under fire from a Russian tennis great and Alex Eala reacting to her exit from the tournament.

    We also have news about an online spat between two Tennis Channel commentators and the Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper’s upcoming clash.

    Here is our round-up of the biggest headlines from Tennis Paradise as the first joint-ATP-WTA 1000 tournament of the year reaches the business end…

    Mirra Andreeva ‘not making progress’, claims former world No 1

    Mirra Andreeva’s title defence in Indian Wells ended with a surprise three-set third round loss to Katerina Siniakova on Monday.

    The world No 8 has since faced some blunt criticism from two-time major winner Yevgeny Kafelnikov, who claimed only those “who lack tennis competence” will not question the 18-year-old Russian’s form.

    “She’s not making progress — that’s the most important thing. She’s stagnant,” said the former world No 1.

    Read more: Mirra Andreeva labelled ‘stagnant’ in blunt criticism from former world No 1 after Indian Wells exit

    Alex Eala reacts after debut Indian Wells run ends

    Alex Eala’s debut campaign in Indian Wells ended with a heavy 0-6, 2-6 defeat to world No 14 Linda Noskova in the last 16 at the WTA 1000 event.

    The 20-year-old Filipina started the tournament as the world No 32, and she is up to a projected new career-high ranking of 28th in the Live WTA Rankings.

    Eala described her run in Indian Wells as “something I’m really proud of” despite the difficult conclusion.

    Read more: Alex Eala on her learning experience in Indian Wells – ‘I do leave with happiness’

    Jannik Sinner praises Joao Fonseca after winning pair’s first match

    World No 2 Jannik Sinner defeated rising Brazilian star Joao Fonseca 7-6(6), 7-6(4) in a pulsating fourth-round encounter in Indian Wells on Tuesday night.

    After what was the pair’s first-ever match, Sinner hailed Fonseca as an “incredible talent” and said the 19-year-old has a “fearless” mentality.

    The four-time Grand Slam champion also described the world No 35 as “a very humble kid.”

    Read more: Jannik Sinner reveals ‘humble kid’ Joao Fonseca’s best qualities after Indian Wells Open clash

    Aryna Sabalenka highlights role of coach Max Mirnyi

    Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the quarter-finals in Indian Wells with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over fellow four-time Slam winner Naomi Osaka in the last 16 on Tuesday.

    The world No 1 added her Belarusian compatriot Max Mirnyi, a 10-time major champion in doubles, to her coaching team last year.

    After beating Osaka, Sabalenka credited Mirnyi for improving her as a player, including by helping her introduce serve-and-volley to her game.

    Read more: Aryna Sabalenka reveals how legendary coach re-worked her game after scintillating Indian Wells win

    Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper look ahead to Indian Wells showdown

    Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper will face off in a mouth-watering last 16 matchup in Indian Wells on Wednesday night

    Third seed Djokovic has won five Indian Wells titles, while 14th seed Draper is the reigning champion at the Masters 1000 event.

    Speaking ahead of the match, Draper described Djokovic as “the greatest player of all time”, while the 38-year-old Serb said the 24-year-old Brit is “playing on a really high level again.”

    Read more: Indian Wells Open: What Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper said ahead of blockbuster clash

    Talia Gibson will make big rankings jump as she continues stunning run

    Talia Gibson upset world No 7 Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 to progress to the quarter-finals in Indian Wells on Tuesday.

    The 21-year-old Australian has won six consecutive matches in Tennis Paradise — two in qualifying and four in the main draw.

    Gibson, who started the tournament ranked 112th, is set to break into the top 70 of the WTA Rankings.

    Read more: Talia Gibson set for stunning rankings rise as prize money so far is confirmed

    Awkward on-air exchange between Tennis Channel commentators

    A segment on Indian Wells broadcaster Tennis Channel got slightly uncomfortable during an exchange between former American players Coco Vandeweghe and Chris Eubanks.

    Eubanks made his feelings known after Vandeweghe brought up the topic of beating him in a serve speed contest in Indian Wells.

    “See, here is the thing about me and you, Coco. I don’t like to just bask in my own career and accomplishments. I like to focus on the players. I don’t want to talk about myself and what I did and what my serve was,” said the former world No 29.

    Read more: Tennis Channel commentators involved in on-air spat – ‘Let’s focus on the players’

    Miami Open News

    While action at the Indian Wells Open will continue until Sunday, the second leg of the Sunshine Double in Miami will get underway on 17 March.

    We looked at the entry lists for both the WTA and ATP events in Miami, as well as the prize money and ranking points on offer:

    WTA Miami Open 2026 Entry List: Sabalenka, Swiatek, Rybakina, Gauff star; will Eala & Raducanu be seeded?

    ATP Miami Open 2026 Entry List: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic headline as 30 of top 32 set to star

    2026 Miami Open: What prize money and ranking points will be on offer?

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    The post Mirra Andreeva told she is ‘stagnant’, Alex Eala’s reaction & ranking milestone – Indian Wells Open roundup appeared first on Tennis365.

  • Alex Eala prize money and ranking points earned from Indian Wells Open run

    Alex Eala’s Indian Wells Open campaign has come to an end as the rising star was beaten in straight sets by Linda Noskova, but she will leave California with plenty of positives.

    Seeded 31st, Eala had a bye into the second round of the WTA 1000 and she kicked off her campaign with a battling three-set win over Dayana Yastremska before booking her place in the round of 16 when fourth seed Coco Gauff retired with an injury with score 6-2, 2-0 in the Filipina’s favour.

    That result earned her a match against 14th seed Noskova and the Czech produced a dominant display as she was in charge from start to finish, securing a 6-2, 6-0 win in just 56 minutes.

    Noskova attacked Eala’s serve from the get-go and broke in the opening game of the match and again in game seven while it was one-way traffic in the second set with three breaks before serving it out to love.

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    The world No 14 will face qualifier Talia Gibson in the quarter-final after the Australian upset seventh seed Jasmine Paolini in three sets.

    Eala, meanwhile, should be pleased with her debut run at the Indian Wells Open despite the round of 16 humbling as she is set to crack a new high in the rankings next week.

    WTA Ranking Points Earned

    The 20-year-old started the tournament at No 32 in the rankings, but is set to break into the top 30 for the first time in her career when the list is updated again on Monday.

    Players earn 120 points for reaching the round of 16 at WTA 1000 tournaments, but they also have to defend points from the corresponding period 12 months ago as the WTA uses a rolling 52-week, cumulative system.

    The good news for Eala is she only had to defend 10 points from last year so she earned 110 points for her efforts, which has seen her rise four places to No 28 in the Live Rankings.

    Prize Money Earned

    The Filipina had earned $291,992 for the 2026 campaign before the Indian Wells Open got underway, while her career total was $1,655,677.

    Those tallies will increase by $105,720.

    In case you were wondering, her new tally of $1,761,397 will see her move into the top 400 on the all-time list.

    The post Alex Eala prize money and ranking points earned from Indian Wells Open run appeared first on Tennis365.

  • Indian Wells Open: What Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper said ahead of blockbuster clash

    Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper have shared their thoughts ahead of their blockbuster fourth round showdown at the 2026 Indian Wells Open.

    A potential last 16 clash between Djokovic and Draper drew the attention of fans and analysts when the Indian Wells draw was made, and it became a reality after both men won their third round matches on Monday.

    It will be only the second-ever meeting between the pair after Djokovic won their first round match at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships in four sets.

    World No 14 Draper is the reigning Indian Wells champion, while third-ranked Djokovic is a five-time winner of the prestigious event.

    Speaking on Tennis Channel after his third round win over Aleksandar Kovacevic, Djokovic looked ahead to his match with Draper.

    “I’m trying to manage my body and my mental state on a daily basis so that I can be peaking as much as I possibly can on a given day,” said the 38-year-old Serbian.

    “Then of course, there’s a challenge and an obstacle across the net, whoever you get to play, and it’s not gonna get easier from here.

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    “The opponents are only gonna get tougher, and Jack Draper is next, who is defending champ and playing on a really high level again.

    “But I love the challenge, that’s one of the biggest reasons why I’m still here and competing with these young guys — is because I really wanna see how they beat me, if they can. And that kind of drives me every day to get better, to really prove to myself and others that I can still play on a highest level.

    “Indian Wells is a tournament that I really always enjoyed playing and it’s a favourite tournament on the tour for so many players.”

    On his win against Kovacevic, Djokovic added: “Another physical battle, but obviously against an opponent that was playing on a high level, so I’m glad to overcome it.

    “Can I play better? Yes. I’m very self-critical, but I’m just glad to win two matches in a row in Indian Wells in last whatever years (laughs).”

    Following his third round victory over Francisco Cerundolo, Draper expressed the respect he has for Djokovic.

    “I haven’t really seen much of him play here, but I know what to expect from Novak. I have been watching him since I was young,” said the 24-year-old Brit.

    “He’s obviously, I think, the greatest tennis player of all time — my opinion. His mentality and just his level of tennis is always incredibly high.

    “I’m going to have to play really well and take my chances, but more than anything, just very grateful to not only be out here, but to be having the opportunity to play against these guys, and keep on improving my level and giving myself another chance to compete on the stages I want to be at.”

    READ NEXT: Novak Djokovic makes ‘odd’ admission saying he has been struggling ‘the last couple of weeks’

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  • Alexander Zverev has simple explanation for what separates Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner from their rivals

    Alexander Zverev has claimed tennis is less tactical than it was ten years ago as he assessed that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner simply have better shots than “everyone else.”

    Alcaraz and Sinner, who are ranked first and second, have built a duopoly at the Grand Slams having secured the last nine majors between them since the start of 2024.

    Zverev, the world No 4, is in action at the 2026 Indian Wells Open, where he overcame Brandon Nakashima in three sets to progress to the fourth round.

    In his press conference after his third round win at the ATP 1000 event, Zverev discussed Alcaraz and Sinner when asked about his understanding of the term “tennis IQ.”

    “Yeah, I have different opinions about it. I think the players that win the most are the ones that have the best shots,” said the 28-year-old German.

    “I think the players that win the most now, especially now, because tennis is just a powerful sport now, have the best forehand, have the best backhand, have the best serve, have the best return. I think those are the players that win the most in the last couple of years.

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    “I think Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are winning the most, not because they play tennis by a lot of tactics; their shots are just better than everyone else’s.

    “So, yeah, I think ten years ago, tactics and, tennis IQ, as you said, was more important than it is now. I think it has lost a bit of value. I think just, yeah, whoever hits the ball the best wins the most matches.”

    The three-time Grand Slam runner-up also spoke about his commitment to playing a more aggressive brand of tennis this year.

    “I mean, it’s exciting. It will take time, as I said before. I’m still trying to win matches here, so sometimes I will go back to my old self,” Zverev said.

    “But I think in important moments like today in the tiebreak, I won the tiebreak myself. I won the tiebreak by playing aggressive tennis, and that’s something to look forward to and to be excited about.”

    Zverev will face world No 22 Frances Tiafoe in the last 16 in Indian Wells.

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