Indian Wells, CA – In a stunning upset at the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday, March 12, 2026, defending champion Jack Draper defeated tennis legend Novak Djokovic in a thrilling three-set match. The British player rallied to secure a 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(5) victory, marking a significant moment in his career and sending shockwaves through the tournament.
The match, played under the California sun, saw both players battling fiercely from the baseline. A particularly memorable exchange came in the opening game of the deciding set, where Djokovic won a breathtaking 26-shot rally that drew a standing ovation from the crowd. This rally set the tone for a grueling contest that pushed both athletes to their physical limits.
Despite dropping the first set, Draper demonstrated resilience, and determination. He fought back to take the second set and then battled through a tense third, where he initially failed to serve out the match at 5-4. “I came out here tonight and I won that match through determination and trying to problem solve and do my best and have a great attitude,” Draper said after the match. “I’m proud of the way I regrouped. I haven’t been playing on the Tour [in] a long time, so to put away guys who are top players, it’s something that comes with confidence.”
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, appeared to struggle with fatigue as the match progressed. He had been competing in his first tournament since the Australian Open final, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz. “One point. It was great winning that point in that game, but I just ran completely out of gas,” Djokovic admitted following the match.
This victory is particularly impressive for Draper, who has been working his way back from injury and is currently ranked No. 14 in the ATP rankings. The win propels him into the quarter-finals of the Indian Wells Open, continuing his title defense from last year. Draper praised his opponent, stating, “It was a crazy match. I reckon both of us gave it our all.” He likewise expressed his admiration for Djokovic, saying he has “watched and admired and idolised” the Serbian since childhood.
The result marks the first time Draper has defeated Djokovic in his career. The win is a major confidence boost for the young British star as he continues his comeback on the ATP Tour. This upset also means Djokovic will not reach the quarter-finals at Indian Wells for the first time since winning the title in 2016.
