Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper will be facing each other for the second time in their careers when they fight for a place in the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday.
They have not faced each other since 2021, when Draper – then 19 years old – sent shockwaves through the home crowd at Wimbledon by taking the first set of their first-round match. Of course, Djokovic would go on to dominate 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 on his way to the title.
Fast forward five years and Draper is now a Masters 1000 champion (Indian Wells 12 months ago), a Grand Slam semifinalist (2024 US Open), and a former world No. 4. The British left-back currently finds himself at number 14 in the rankings due to recurring injuries, but his comeback in 2026 is off to a good start. Draper is 4-1 in five games this season and was impressive in Monday’s 6-1, 7-5 win over Francisco Cerundolo.
Djokovic lifted the Indian Wells trophy five times between 2008 and 2016, but the tournament has been a disaster for him over the past decade. The 38-year-old Serb has gone 2-5 in his last seven Indian Wells appearances as he has not even reached the quarterfinals since his last win in 2016.
Not only is motivation low for Djokovic these days in any tournament outside of a Grand Slam, but he is dealing with an obvious arm injury. This is a great upset opportunity for Draper, who is the defending champion and has looked like himself with each game since his return.
Pick: Draper at 3
