Draper drops Shelton to set up semi with Alcaraz

Briton Jack Draper dispatched his third consecutive American opponent to power ahead to the Indian Wells Masters semi-finals where Carlos Alcaraz is waiting.

Draper neutralised the big game of Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5 in chilly desert conditions while two-time tournament winner Alcaraz defeated Francisco Cerundolo 6-1, 7-6 (4).

Alcaraz fought from 1-4 down in the second set to emerge the winner. moving closer to a possible hat-trick at the venue after titles in 2023 and 2024

“Today was about surviving,” the 21-year-old said. “Trying to get a good rhythm, a good pace to the match, trying to take the opportunities that he brought to me. I’m proud of everything I’ve done today.”.

Draper caused the most excitement as the two-week slog enters the home stretch, with a potential spot in the Sunday final  boosting the Brit into the ranking top 10 for the first time.

“It means so much to me, it’s why I’m playing, why I put all the hard work in with my team — to play these matches on these courts and especially in a place like this,” Draper said.
“It’s what I’ve wanted since I was a kid and to be here now is a bit surreal.

“But that’s tennis. I keep on going, I want more, and I’m looking forward to the next match already.”

Shelton followed along from Draper defeats of Americans Jenson Brooksby in the third round and 2022 title winner Taylor Fritz in the fourth.

Draper said he needed to battle to get past Shelton: “I didn’t know what to expect today, honestly.”He’s an incredible showman… can hit a winner from anywhere.

“I knew facing him on on this court in front of the Americans was was going to be really difficult today and it was.”

Alcaraz has won three of four matches with Draper, the most recent a January fourth round at the Australian Open.

Main photo:- Jack Draper downed his third American opponent in Indian Wells to reach semi finals – by ISF Ltd