Jack Draper beats Francisco Cerundolo to set up Djokovic clash at Indian Wells
Defending champion Jack Draper has advanced to the fourth round at Indian Wells by defeating Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo 6-1 7-5 to set up a clash with Novak Djokovic.
The 24-year-old Briton cruised through the opening set before facing a much stiffer challenge from the 19th seed in the second.
Cerundolo threatened to force a decider after breaking serve to take a 5-4 lead.
However, the South American faltered when attempting to serve out the set, allowing his opponent to seize back control.
The world number 14 broke back immediately, survived a precarious 15-40 deficit in the following game, and broke once more to secure his first career victory over Cerundolo.
Djokovic awaits as returning star sheds rust
His reward for overcoming the tricky clay-court specialist is a formidable meeting with third seed Djokovic on Wednesday.
The five-time tournament winner booked his spot by dispatching American Aleksandar Kovacevic in three sets.
Draper is currently navigating his return to the tour following an eight-month hiatus caused by severe bone bruising in his serving arm.
Prior to arriving in California, the title holder had managed just two ATP-level appearances since the latter half of 2025.
Despite showing understandable signs of rust in a three-set opening victory against Roberto Bautista Agut, his clinical edge was entirely evident against Cerundolo.
Norrie applies pressure in rankings battle
The reigning champion entered the prestigious tournament knowing an early exit could result in a steep drop out of the world’s top 30.
He also faces intense competition to retain his status as the British number one.
Former Indian Wells winner Cameron Norrie ensured he remains firmly in that race with an impressive 6-4 6-4 victory over eighth seed Alex de Minaur.
If Norrie manages to progress a round further in the draw than his compatriot, he will reclaim the top national ranking.
