{"id":33150,"date":"2025-03-15T02:17:09","date_gmt":"2025-03-15T02:17:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=33150"},"modified":"2025-03-15T02:17:09","modified_gmt":"2025-03-15T02:17:09","slug":"novak-djokovic-proven-right-over-jack-draper-chat-as-brit-shines-at-indian-wells","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=33150","title":{"rendered":"Novak Djokovic proven right over Jack Draper chat as Brit shines at Indian Wells"},"content":{"rendered":"<header>\n<nav>\n<ul>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul id=\"sub-navigation-more\"><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/header>\n<div role=\"main\">\n<div id=\"singleArticle\" role=\"main\" data-story=\"2027120\">\n<article data-io-article-url=\"https:\/\/www.express.co.uk\/sport\/tennis\/2027120\/novak-djokovic-jack-draper-indian-wells\">\n<header>\n<h2>British tennis talent Jack Draper, who has reached the last four in Indian Wells, is realising his promise following a glowing prediction from Novak Djokovic.<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div data-type=\"article-body\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/1200x712\/secondary\/6022354.avif?r=1741947362914\" type=\"image\/avif\" media=\"screen and (min-width:10000px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/1200x712\/secondary\/6022354.webp?r=1741947362914\" type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"screen and (min-width:10000px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/1200x712\/secondary\/6022354.jpg?r=1741947362914\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" media=\"screen and (min-width:10000px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/674x400\/secondary\/6022354.avif?r=1741947362914\" type=\"image\/avif\" media=\"screen and (min-width:100000px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/674x400\/secondary\/6022354.webp?r=1741947362914\" type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"screen and (min-width:100000px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/674x400\/secondary\/6022354.jpg?r=1741947362914\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" media=\"screen and (min-width:100000px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/940x\/secondary\/6022354.avif?r=1741947362914\" type=\"image\/avif\" media=\"screen and (min-width:1200px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/940x\/secondary\/6022354.webp?r=1741947362914\" type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"screen and (min-width:1200px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/940x\/secondary\/6022354.jpg?r=1741947362914\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" media=\"screen and (min-width:1200px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/590x\/secondary\/6022354.avif?r=1741947362914\" type=\"image\/avif\" media=\"screen\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/590x\/secondary\/6022354.webp?r=1741947362914\" type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"screen\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"BNP Paribas Open - Day 9\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/590x\/secondary\/6022354.jpg?r=1741947362914\" alt=\"Novak Djokovic proven right over Jack Draper chat as Brit shines at Indian Wells\" width=\"590\" height=\"393\" data-img=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/1200x712\/secondary\/6022354.jpg?r=1741947362914\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>Jack Draper has reached a Masters 1000 semi-final for the first time (Image: Getty)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Novak Djokovic\u2019s Jack Draper prediction has come true after the British tennis star booked a crunch showdown with Carlos Alcaraz. Draper downed American Ben Shelton in straight sets at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells to reach a maiden Masters 1000 semi-final. He will face second seed Alcaraz in the final four after the Spaniard overcame Argentina\u2019s Francisco Cerundolo, also in straight sets.<\/p>\n<p>Draper, 23, has made great strides in the last 12 months, which has seen him make the semi-finals of the US Open and the fourth round of the Australian Open in January. His progress confirms a prediction by Djokovic back in 2021 when the pair met in the first round at Wimbledon. The then 19-year-old took the first set off the Serbian great, whose class and experience eventually told as he won in four sets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><strong> Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news <\/strong> Join us on WhatsApp<\/p>\n<p>Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>The pair spoke in private after the match, with Djokovic telling Draper that he &#8220;can have a great career&#8221;. Draper told the media at the time: &#8220;I agree with him. There&#8217;s a lot of holes in my game he exposed but what better lesson than to play the No.1 player in the world on Centre Court at Wimbledon.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I can learn a lot from his advice to me because if there&#8217;s anyone who can give it, it&#8217;s him. He&#8217;s one of the greatest players of all time.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Djokovic was just as glowing when he spoke publicly about Draper, saying: &#8220;He&#8217;s tall, he&#8217;s strong. He&#8217;s got that lefty serve that is very awkward for right-handed players to face, particularly on grass.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/1200x712\/secondary\/6022375.avif?r=1741947362936\" type=\"image\/avif\" media=\"screen and (min-width:10000px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/1200x712\/secondary\/6022375.webp?r=1741947362936\" type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"screen and (min-width:10000px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/1200x712\/secondary\/6022375.jpg?r=1741947362936\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" media=\"screen and (min-width:10000px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/674x400\/secondary\/6022375.avif?r=1741947362936\" type=\"image\/avif\" media=\"screen and (min-width:100000px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/674x400\/secondary\/6022375.webp?r=1741947362936\" type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"screen and (min-width:100000px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/674x400\/secondary\/6022375.jpg?r=1741947362936\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" media=\"screen and (min-width:100000px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/940x\/secondary\/6022375.avif?r=1741947362936\" type=\"image\/avif\" media=\"screen and (min-width:1200px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/940x\/secondary\/6022375.webp?r=1741947362936\" type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"screen and (min-width:1200px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/940x\/secondary\/6022375.jpg?r=1741947362936\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" media=\"screen and (min-width:1200px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/590x\/secondary\/6022375.avif?r=1741947362936\" type=\"image\/avif\" media=\"screen\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/590x\/secondary\/6022375.webp?r=1741947362936\" type=\"image\/webp\" media=\"screen\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Jack Draper and Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon 2021\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/590x\/secondary\/6022375.jpg?r=1741947362936\" alt=\"Novak Djokovic proven right over Jack Draper chat as Brit shines at Indian Wells\" width=\"590\" height=\"431\" data-img=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/1200x712\/secondary\/6022375.jpg?r=1741947362936\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>Novak Djokovic was full of praise for Draper after their Wimbledon meeting in 2021 (Image: Getty)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<p>Invalid email<\/p>\n<p>We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you&#8217;ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>&#8220;I thought he was behaving nice on the court. He was backing himself. It was a really nice atmosphere. I think he&#8217;s got an all-around game really. A very good flat backhand, also a good forehand.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Maybe his movement could improve I think. But he&#8217;s still young. There&#8217;s always room for improvement.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Draper\u2019s progress has stalled at times due to injuries, but he is finally proving that Djokovic\u2019s words are correct as he showed his class against Shelton. Facing four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz will be a truer test of Draper\u2019s current standing in the men\u2019s game. Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune will meet in the other semi-final.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<nav><\/nav>\n<div>\n<p>IPSO Regulated Copyright \u00a92025 Express Newspapers. &#8220;Daily Express&#8221; is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>British tennis talent Jack Draper, who has reached the last four in Indian Wells, is realising his promise following a glowing prediction from Novak Djokovic.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":33151,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-33150","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tennis"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Novak Djokovic proven right over Jack Draper chat as Brit shines at Indian Wells - 24\/7 News America<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=33150\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Novak Djokovic proven right over Jack Draper chat as Brit shines at Indian Wells - 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