Jack Draper shared some kind words about Ben Shelton after their first match together on the ATP Tour.
The big-serving American and Britain’s number one player faced one another with a spot in the Indian Wells semi-finals on the line.
Both players were also aiming to reach the last four at a Masters 1000 tournament for the first time in their respective careers.
Jack Draper has only lost one completed match so far this season and he continued that run with a straight sets victory against Ben Shelton.
Jack Draper sends message to Ben Shelton after Indian Wells quarter-final
Draper needed one break of serve to claim a tight opening set against Shelton, but the second set was even more challenging.
The Brit found himself trailing 0-3, but he battled back and managed to bring the second set level at 5-5.
Shelton’s thunderous serve was found wanting at times as he served five double faults. Two of them came in the 11th game of the second set, where Draper broke serve before serving out a 6-4, 7-5 victory.
After the one hour and 39 minute contest, Draper took some time during his on-court interview to praise Shelton and his game.
“I didn’t know what to expect today. Honestly I’ve hit with Ben maybe once or twice but in very short practices,” the World number 14 said.
“I’ve obviously watched a lot of him and he plays incredible, he’s a showman with a lot of weapons who can hit a winner from anywhere. The serve is obviously huge, he is a great competitor and he’s been really consistent.
“I knew coming out here facing him on this court in front of the Americans was going to be really difficult today. So huge respect and credit to him, he’s going to keep on winning and keep on having an amazing career so I wish all the best.”
Who is Jack Draper’s next opponent?
If Draper is to reach his first Masters 1000 final, he will have to defeat the man who has not lost at Indian Wells since 2022, Carlos Alcaraz.
The Spaniard is aiming for a third successive title at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and he has looked very dangerous in California this week.
Draper will have to be at his best to defeat Alcaraz, who is currently playing his best tennis of the season so far.
But the Brit is also playing his best tennis of the year at Indian Wells, and their fifth meeting promises to be an entertaining one with either Daniil Medvedev or Holger Rune waiting in the final.
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