Jack Draper says there is an ‘incredible’ American player who he is convinced will be in the ATP top 10 very soon

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Jack Draper has reached his first ATP Masters 1000 final after beating Carlos Alcaraz at Indian Wells.

Draper beat Alcaraz in three sets to end the Spaniard’s 16-match winning streak at Indian Wells.

However, there was an element of controversy during the deciding set, with Draper having a lengthy discussion with Alcaraz at the net following a video review incident.

While the world number three did not appear too bothered by this situation, Alcaraz was annoyed by something else.

With Draper now moving into the biggest final of his career, it has already been confirmed that he will be rewarded with a new career-high ranking.

Jack Draper says that he is convinced Ben Shelton will be in the top 10 soon

As a result of reaching the Indian Wells final, Draper is guaranteed to move into the top 10 for the first time and as a result will be the highest ranked left-handed player.

In his post-match press conference after achieving this feat, Draper was asked about why he thinks there aren’t other left-handed players inside the top 10.

When responding to this question, Draper named Ben Shelton as a player who he thinks will make that breakthrough soon, also mentioning Denis Shapovalov and Ugo Humbert.

Draper beat Shelton in his Indian Wells quarter-final, and went onto reveal that he is actually right-handed, but uses playing left-handed as a weapon.

“Yeah, I’m sure Shelton will be in the top 10 soon,” said Draper. “I think he’s an incredible player. Obviously Shapovalov has been there. He’s back playing some really high-level stuff. And Humbert, as well. Still some really good left-handers about.

“I think, weirdly enough, my leftiness is a big plus, but I think the fact I’m actually a right-hander, so I think that really helps me, because my forehand has been improving all the time.

“My forehand is naturally the shot where, you know, I’m not as comfortable. It’s always been my backhand which has been the shot, like, I can hit with my eyes closed, you know.

“I really have no problem against any player with their forehand into my backhand. Usually that’s something where players struggle. But with myself, that’s a big strength of mine. So I think the mix of that is a big advantage.”

Jack Draper reacts to reaching ATP ranking milestone

After being told that he would break into the top 10 for the first time in his career, Draper spoke to Sky Sports and explained what this achievement meant to him.

Draper, who has had injury struggles in recent years, also suggested that this feat means even more given his setbacks.

“It feels unbelievable, when the guy said it on the court you know I felt emotional,” said Draper. “I’ve been through so much the past few years with injuries and setbacks and just, yeah.

“Obviously, I know all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes and it’s such a tough sport, we give so much to it and it feels incredible, but obviously I’ve got another one tomorrow to go.”

Draper’s new top 10 status will officially be confirmed after the Indian Wells final on Monday March 17.

If he is to beat Holger Rune in the final, Draper will become world number seven or world number nine if he finishes runner-up.