Jack Draper knocks out final American man Ben Shelton to reach semifinals at Indian Wells
Jack Draper has played spoiler for the Americans this week at Indian Wells, so it only made sense that he did it again Thursday against Ben Shelton at Indian Wells.
Draper's 6-4, 7-5 win over Shelton in the quarterfinals at the BNP Paribas Open ended a streak of four consecutive years of having an American man in the semifinals at this event.
In 2021 and 2022, Taylor Fritz reached the semifinals. In 2023, it was Frances Tiafoe, and last year it was Tommy Paul. Shelton could've continued the run.
Instead, Draper, who had already beaten American Jenson Brooksby and Fritz, in addition to topping rising star João Fonseca of Brazil in his opening round, advanced in an entertaining match.
Draper, the 13th seed in the draw, will play the winner of Carlos Alcaraz and Francisco Cerúndolo on Saturday.
"Obviously, today was tough conditions," Draper said. "Really tough opponent. I thought I competed great. I did well to come through that one."
This marks the first time Draper has reached the semifinals at an ATP Masters 1000 event. Perhaps the only other win of his pro career that was bigger was a quarterfinal victory over Alex de Minaur last year at the U.S. Open.
On Thursday, inside Stadium 2, Shelton, the 13th seed, showed off his powerful serve several times throughout the match, topping out at 143 mph. But he wasn't as efficient as the 23-year-old Draper. He scored 83% of the points on his first serve, compared to 62% from Shelton, and he scored 75% of the points on his second serve, versus 55% from Shelton.
Draper, who has won eight of his last nine matches, didn't face a single break point in the first set, and the 22-year-old Shelton saved 1-of-2 that he faced.
In the second set, Draper committed just six unforced errors, compared to 18 for Shelton, and that helped Draper convert 2-of-3 break points and overcome the one that Shelton converted.
"Obviously in tennis you're in a sport where there is always the next match and you have to prove yourself every time," Draper said. "Certainly for myself, my mindset, unfortunately that, as well, I feel like I'm never content with anything. I always want to have more wins and more opportunities to play top players."
Andrew John covers the BNP Paribas Open for The Desert Sun and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at andrew.john@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Jack Draper moves into Indian Wells semis with win over Ben Shelton
Topics
-
Jack Draper revels in ‘best match’ at Indian Wells after seeing off Taylor Fritz
British No 1 defeats third seed 7-5, 6-4 Draper will face Ben Shelton in quarter-finals Jack Draper booked his place in the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Open with a straight-sets victory ...The Guardian - 6d -
Jack Draper survives scare to defeat Jenson Brooksby at Indian Wells
Briton trails 4-1 in first set but roars back to win 7-5, 6-4 Jamie Murray ‘proud’ after reaching doubles milestone Jack Draper survived a scare to defeat Jenson Brooksby 7-5, 6-4 and book his ...The Guardian - Mar. 10 -
Draper solves Brooksby puzzle to reach Indian Wells fourth round
Jack Draper overcomes a slow start to beat Jenson Brooksby and reach the Indian Wells fourth round.BBC News - Mar. 10 -
Draper reaches maiden Indian Wells quarter-final
Britain's Jack Draper reaches the Indian Wells quarter-finals by beating world number four Taylor Fritz in one of the best performances of his career.BBC News - 6d -
Jack Draper to face Carlos Alcaraz at Indian Wells in first Masters 1000 semi-final
British No 1 defeats Ben Shelton 6-4 7-5 at BNP Paribas Open Draper meets two-time defending champion in last four in Indian Wells Jack Draper has booked his place in an ATP Masters 1000 ...The Guardian - 5d -
Jack Draper withstands Ben Shelton’s monster serves to make his first Masters 1000 semi-final
Jack Draper forced his way into his first Masters 1000 semi-final, overcoming the venomous power and vibrant athleticism of his young American opponent Ben Shelton.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
At 22, Ben Shelton is youngest American man since 2004 to reach quarterfinals at Indian Wells
Ben Shelton has become the youngest American man since Andy Roddick in 2004 to reach the quarterfinals at the BNP Paribas OpenABC News - 6d -
Draper sets up Indian Wells semi-final with Alcaraz
Jack Draper beats Ben Shelton on a cold and blustery evening in Indian Wells to set up a tantalising semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
Draper sets up Indian Wells semi-final with Alcaraz
Jack Draper beats Ben Shelton on a cold and blustery evening in Indian Wells to set up a tantalising semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz.BBC News - 5d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Where to watch March Madness First Four games today: TV channel, live streaming, more
Tonight is the second day of First Four games in the men's college basketball tournament. Here's where to watch all of the action.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Where to watch March Madness First Four games today: TV channel, live streaming, more
Tonight is the second day of First Four games in the men's college basketball tournament. Here's where to watch all of the action.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
MLB's 2025 rookie class features several potential stars
Who will be this season's Paul Skenes or Jackson Chourio? Here are the top 15 MLB rookies poised to make a fantasy impact.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
MLB's 2025 rookie class features several potential stars
Who will be this season's Paul Skenes or Jackson Chourio? Here are the top 15 MLB rookies poised to make a fantasy impact.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Report: Arsenal, Liverpool & Chelsea battling to sign wonderkid with €35m release clause
The 17-year-old is widely regarded as one of the biggest prospects in South America at the moment, and it seems only a matter of time before he earns himself a big move.As well as Real Madrid being ...Yahoo Sports - 20m
More in Sports
-
Where to watch March Madness First Four games today: TV channel, live streaming, more
Tonight is the second day of First Four games in the men's college basketball tournament. Here's where to watch all of the action.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Where to watch March Madness First Four games today: TV channel, live streaming, more
Tonight is the second day of First Four games in the men's college basketball tournament. Here's where to watch all of the action.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
MLB's 2025 rookie class features several potential stars
Who will be this season's Paul Skenes or Jackson Chourio? Here are the top 15 MLB rookies poised to make a fantasy impact.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
MLB's 2025 rookie class features several potential stars
Who will be this season's Paul Skenes or Jackson Chourio? Here are the top 15 MLB rookies poised to make a fantasy impact.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Report: Arsenal, Liverpool & Chelsea battling to sign wonderkid with €35m release clause
The 17-year-old is widely regarded as one of the biggest prospects in South America at the moment, and it seems only a matter of time before he earns himself a big move.As well as Real Madrid being ...Yahoo Sports - 20m