Jack Draper used the confidence earned just weeks ago in Australia to power past Jensen Brooksby with a 7-5, 6-4 win into the fourth round of the Indian Wells Masters on Monday.

The 13th-seeded Brit built up match toughness in Melbourne, where he won three back-to-back five-set matches at the Open and reached the fourth round before losing to Carlos Alcaraz through retirement.

He then played the final last month in Doha against Andrey Rublev.

The Brit overcame a slow start against No. 937 Brooksby to advance in the Californian desert, trailing 4-1 in the opening set before clicking his game into gear.

“Jenson is an unorthodox player, he makes life really difficult,” the winner said.

 “He doesn’t make the rhythm easy. I got off to a slow start, I missed a couple of opportunities early on. But I’m glad of the way I fought and competed. 

“Even though it wasn’t my best tennis today, I’m really happy with the way I tried my best to stay cool.”

The 23-year-old winner of two ATP titles advanced despite 26 unforced errors but got out of trouble with his serve.

Draper said his season so far has been a learning experience.

“”I was not ready to play in Australia but coming through those long matches gave me confidence.

“I had not been sure about pushing the body in those five-setters. But that was the last piece of the puzzle, being able to push on.

“Knowing you have it in you is good. I’m still a work in progress but I’m looking forward to getting more experience.”

Main photo:- Jack Draper winning third round match today – by Pete Staples/ATPTour.com

Novak Djokovic explained away reports of an injury from last month’s Doha tournament, with the Serb now eager to compete back-to-back in this month’s pair of North American Masters 1000 hardcourt events.

The 37-year-old Serb will be competing at the ongoing Indian Wells event with a second-round start against Dutch qualifying lucky loser Botik van de Zandschulp, who advanced on Thursday when Nick Kyrgios was forced to quit their match with a wrist injury.

Djokovic was last pictured limping at Doha airport last month, but explained that it was all due to an accident and not an injury.

“It was really awkward to see that video, because I arrived to the airport and I hit myself really badly as I was walking out,” he said on Thursday.

“It was 4:00 or 5:00 a.m. I was just limping because I hit myself badly in the ankle. That’s all. It was just a hit. It was nothing else.”

The five-time Indian Wells champion and sixth seed added: “People connected it to the injury and thought it was something escalating and coming back.

“But anyway, I’m feeling good. I really look forward coming to Indian Wells and Miami this year, you know. 

“I’ll play the Sunshine Double for the first time after, I think, six years.”

Djokovic is back here with former rival and new coaching advisor Andy Murray in tow for the month after the all-star pair extended their experimental coaching relationship.

“It took him some time to go back and reflect on the partnership, speak to his people, his family, and see how committed he wants to be and where he can travel with me.

“I was very glad when he decided to keep going, Indian Wells, Miami, and yeah, most of the clay court season.

“We’re going to speak after Miami, obviously, but I think the plan is to go all the way till the end of Roland Garros and hopefully Wimbledon.

“I’m enjoying the relationship with Andy. I still feel like we are going through the process of getting to know each other on the court in a different way than we have known each other for 25 years. 

“I’m trying to communicate as much as I can on the court, off the court, for us to be able to connect better.”

Main photo:- Novak Djokovic playing Indian Wells in 2024 – by International Sports Fotos Ltd

Following a frightening stalking incident in Dubai, Emma Raducanu has decided to return to tennis in Indian Wells this week.

The British No. 2 who won the US Open in 2021 from a qualifying start had been considering taking a break following the incident.

She has however decided to stick to her original schedule and play in a tournament considered by many as “the fifth grand slam” with enhanced security measures in place.

The 22-year-old will have up to five security guards making a protective ring around her during the tournament.

She was left visibly unsettled after being approached by a man who had followed her through several tournaments, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Doha before approaching Raducanu in an onsite cafe in Dubai.

During the match against Karolina Muchova in Dubai, Raducanu appeared distressed and sought cover behind the umpire’s chair upon spotting the stalker in the stands.

Despite the unnerving encounter, Raducanu decided not to press charges after the man was detained.

He has since been banned from future events and given a restraining order.

Raducanu could face world No. 3 Coco Gauff in the second round at Indian Wells if she wins her opener against Japanese Moyuka Uchijima.

Main photo:- Emma Raducanu was visibly shaken in Dubai match against Karolina Muchova – by Sky Sports