Ben Shelton Faces Jack Draper in Crucial Quarterfinals Showdown

INDIAN WELLS, California — Ben Shelton, currently ranked No. 12, will square off against Jack Draper, ranked No. 14, in the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday, March 13, 2025. This highly anticipated match marks the first time these two left-handed players will compete against one another on the ATP Tour.

Both athletes are vying for a place in the semifinals at the prestigious tournament, which boasts a total prize money of $9,693,540. Shelton has recently made headlines by reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open in January and subsequently finishing as a runner-up at the Mexican Open. He has demonstrated formidable prowess at Indian Wells, winning all three of his previous matches in straight sets.

“It’s been an incredible journey so far. I just want to keep building on my success,” Shelton said following his latest victory against Brandon Nakashima.

On the other hand, Draper has had a solid year, having won two of his last three matches convincingly. He suffered a setback at the Australian Open but bounced back to defeat Taylor Fritz in a straight sets quarterfinal match, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

“I felt strong out there against Fritz. I’m confident moving forward,” Draper commented post-match.

Statistically, Shelton is recognized for his aggressive serve and powerful forehand, while Draper possesses a strong baseline game and a more consistent backhand. The matchup is expected to be closely contested, given both players’ capabilities.

The odds for this encounter show Draper as the slight favorite at -190 compared to Shelton at +150, indicating a competitive atmosphere. According to betting odds, Shelton has a 65.5% chance of winning based on the current moneyline.

Due to their contrasting styles of play, predictions for the match vary widely. Some analysts speculate Shelton’s serve will give him an edge, while others believe Draper’s baseline game may prove challenging for the American.

“Both players have shown exceptional talent. I think the one who handles key points and pressure better will come out on top,” said sports analyst John Mulligan.

Fans can tune in to watch the match live through various broadcasting channels, including the Tennis Channel in the U.S., Sky Sports in the UK, and DAZN in Canada. The match is scheduled to commence at approximately 8:00 PM ET.

The quarterfinals will also feature a match involving defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, further intensifying the competition atmosphere in this exciting tournament.