Jack Draper targets Indian Wells title defence on return from injury
Jack Draper is set to launch his title defence at Indian Wells this week as the British number one returns to competitive action following a significant injury lay-off.
The 24-year-old has been sidelined since an arm issue curtailed his 2025 campaign and subsequently delayed the start of his current season.
Draper enjoyed a breakout moment in the California desert last year, defeating Holger Rune in the final to claim his maiden Masters 1000 trophy.
Djokovic looms in draw
As the 14th seed, the defending champion receives a bye into the second round of the tournament.
However, a formidable challenge potentially awaits the Briton in the last 16 against 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
Draper will be hoping to replicate the form that saw him defeat Carlos Alcaraz in the 2025 semi-finals, where he recovered from a 6-0 second-set deficit.
Raducanu leads British charge
Emma Raducanu returns to the hard courts as the 25th seed in the women’s singles draw.
The former US Open champion has reunited with coach Mark Petchey and will debut a new kit partnership with Uniqlo after ending her association with Nike.
Cameron Norrie, the 2021 Indian Wells winner, joins the field as the 27th seed on the men’s side.
Elsewhere, unseeded compatriot Jacob Fearnley faces Damir Džumhur in the opening round on Thursday.
Fran Jones and Sonay Kartal begin their campaigns in round one, with world number two Iga Swiatek awaiting Jones if she advances.
Alcaraz and Sinner return
Carlos Alcaraz arrives in strong form after reclaiming the world number one ranking at the end of 2025.
The Spaniard recently secured his seventh major title at the Australian Open and is chasing a third triumph at the BNP Paribas Open.
World number two Jannik Sinner is also back in the field after missing last year’s edition due to a suspension.
In the women’s draw, Mirra Andreeva returns as the defending champion following her victory over Aryna Sabalenka in 2025.
