INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — In a stunning display of skill, Jack Draper decisively triumphed over Holger Rune with a score of 6-2, 6-2 in just over an hour at the BNP Paribas Open final on Sunday. This remarkable victory not only marked his first Masters 1000 title but also secured his entry into the elite top 10 of the ATP rankings for the very first time.
The 23-year-old British sensation, seeded 13th in the prestigious California hard-court tournament, dominated the match with an impressive 21-7 lead in winners against Rune, showcasing superior precision with fewer unforced errors.
A key component of Draper’s success was his exceptional left-handed serve; he unleashed 10 aces, clinched 21 out of 23 first-serve points, and remarkably did not permit Rune a single break point opportunity.
Reflecting on his journey, Draper shared, “You never know when it’s your time. I lost in the first round here last year, so I didn’t really experience the tournament. But I’d say this is now one of my favorite tournaments, for sure.”
With this victory, Draper is set to ascend from No. 14 to a remarkable career-high position of No. 7 in the ATP rankings starting Monday.
“I feel,” he expressed confidently, “like I deserve it.”
Earlier in the day, 17-year-old Russian prodigy Mirra Andreeva captured her second consecutive Masters 1000 title by overcoming world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka with a thrilling 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 comeback.
Rune, the 21-year-old Danish contender seeded 12th at Indian Wells, faced Draper in a historic matchup—this was the first ATP Masters 1000 final featuring two men born in the 2000s and the first at Indian Wells between players aged 23 or younger since Rafael Nadal, then 22, defeated Andy Murray, 21, back in 2009.
“It was a tough day for me, but I must start by congratulating Jack,” Rune acknowledged. “You have been displaying some incredible tennis, and you definitely deserved to win today.”
Draper’s path to the final was equally impressive as he eliminated two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals last Friday.
“I wasn’t expecting this. I’ve put in a lot of hard work, and I’m just so grateful and incredibly happy to be able to play, feeling healthy and mentally great,” Draper remarked.
