Indian Wells: Jack Draper ready for the 'benchmark' as he prepares to face Alcaraz

The Brit - currently sitting at a new career high of world No 11 in the live ATP rankings - had previously never reached the last four of a Masters 1000 event, falling in the quarter-finals of the Canadian Open in 2023 and the Cincinnati Masters in 2024.

"You know, my tennis has been really improving all the time with more experience at the highest level, and I'm gaining more wins against top players like Ben," said Draper, after his victory.

"Obviously today was tough conditions. Really tough opponent. I thought I competed great. Yeah, I did well to come through that one.

"Unfortunately obviously in tennis you're in a sport where there is always the next match and you have to prove yourself every time. 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. You know, I just want to keep on progressing and keep on improving and keep on going for more success."

The current world No 14 will next face Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals, a player who beat 7-6(3), 6-3 back in 2024 at the Queen's Club.

Overall, the Spaniard leads their head-to-head 3-1, including a second-set retirement from the Brit at the 2025 Australian Open.

When asked about their last four encounter, Draper stated: "Carlos, you know, he's obviously a great champion, already doing amazing things in the game, so good for the sport not only for the players but for also spectators to watch him.

"I think, you know, he's setting the benchmark really high, and that's good for a player like myself because I watch him and play against him, and I think what I need to do to be at his level and to hopefully compete for big events.

"So, you know, I'd obviously love to get the chance to play Carlos again. I think it would be a great match. He brings so much to the court, especially in these conditions. He absolutely loves these courts.

And yeah, it would be another opportunity for me to show, you know, hopefully that I belong at the top again."

Draper is also looking to become the fifth Brit to reach the final at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Greg Rusedski was the first to reach the showpiece match, ultimately losing to Marcelo Rios in 1998.

Four years later, Tim Henman - despite not loving slower courts - made Indian Wells final, before being dominated by Lleyton Hewitt, 6-1, 6-2.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray reached the final in 2009, falling to tennis legend Rafael Nadal â- in a match which observed winds reaching more than 40MPH.

However, the losing streak was finally broken by Cameron Norrie at the postponed 2021 edition, battling back to defeat Nikoloz Basilashvili 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the final and lifting the biggest title of his career.

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