Draper stuns Djokovic with backhand winner at Indian Wells

24-year-old Brit pulls off upset victory over world no. 3 in three-set thriller

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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In a thrilling match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, 24-year-old British tennis player Jack Draper defeated world no. 3 Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(5). The highlight of the match was Draper's incredible backhand passing shot that surprised the local fans and helped turn the tide in the third set tiebreaker.

Why it matters

Draper's victory over the legendary Djokovic is a major breakthrough for the young Brit, who is currently ranked no. 14 in the world. This upset win will likely boost Draper's confidence and profile as he continues his climb up the ATP rankings.

The details

In the third-set tiebreaker, with the score tied 5-5, Draper hit a stunning backhand passing shot that left Djokovic flatfooted and sparked wild cheers from the Indian Wells crowd. Draper went on to win the tiebreaker 7-5, completing the three-set upset over the 22-time Grand Slam champion.

  • The match took place on March 11, 2026 in the 4th round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.
  • Draper and Djokovic's current head-to-head record stands at 1-0 in favor of Draper.

The players

Jack Draper

A 24-year-old British tennis player currently ranked no. 14 in the world. This victory over Djokovic represents a major breakthrough in Draper's career.

Novak Djokovic

The world no. 3 player and 22-time Grand Slam champion, who was upset by the rising young star Draper in a thrilling three-set match.

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What they’re saying

“That backhand passing shot from Draper was just unbelievable. He really surprised Djokovic and the crowd with that one.”

— Mark Petchey, Tennis commentator (tennistonic.com)

What’s next

Draper will face world no. 11 Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open. Their current head-to-head record stands at 1-0 in favor of Medvedev.

The takeaway

Draper's victory over the legendary Djokovic is a testament to the young Brit's immense talent and potential. This upset win will undoubtedly raise Draper's profile and could be a springboard to even greater success as he continues to climb the ATP rankings.