Sports
Jack Draper Dominates Holger Rune to Win Indian Wells Title

INDIAN WELLS, California — Jack Draper captured his first ATP Masters 1000 title with a commanding victory over Holger Rune, winning 6-2, 6-2 in the men’s singles final on March 16, 2025. The 23-year-old Englishman showcased powerful serves and impressive baseline play to dominate the match, propelling him into the ATP Tour top 10 for the first time.
The match saw Draper, seeded 13th, overpowering the 12th-seeded Rune, who struggled to find his rhythm throughout the contest. Draper’s serve proved to be the key factor, as he won 89 percent of his first-serve points and hit seven aces during the match.
As Draper prepared to serve for the first set, Rune was seen engaged in a lengthy discussion with his coach, Lars Christensen, seeking strategies to handle Draper’s dominant performance. Unfortunately for Rune, the tactical adjustments were insufficient, and he could not effectively capitalize on the changes.
Draper’s first serve set the tone for the match. He won 16 out of 20 service points in the opening set, with an impressive first-serve percentage. Rune, unable to adjust to Draper’s diverse serving angles, found himself frequently guessing wrong, leading to more frustration as Draper raced to a 6-2 lead.
In the second set, although Draper faced tighter competition, he maintained his composure, won 18 of 26 serve points, and did not face a single break point for the entire match. Draper’s successful strategy included a mix of aggressive baseline shots and well-placed serves, overwhelming Rune at crucial moments.
Despite his earlier triumph over Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals, Rune appeared tense and reverted to his default aggressive play style against Draper, ultimately misfiring numerous times and failing to alter his plan of attack.
Throughout the match, Draper remained focused, drawing on his experience to manage competitive pressure. He noted that overcoming anxiety in high-stakes situations has been a personal challenge, one he has worked hard to navigate. In contrast to previous matches where nerves affected his performance, Draper demonstrated poise as he closed out the championship without faltering.
After claiming the title, Draper reflected on his journey, emphasizing his desire to compete at the highest level. “I feel like I deserve this,” Draper said emotionally, acknowledging the sacrifices and challenges he has faced. “To stand here and say I will be seventh in the world, I can’t tell you how much that means to me.”
With this victory, Draper joins an elite group of British players, becoming the fifth to win an ATP Masters 1000 title. His success at Indian Wells marks a significant milestone in his career, underscoring his resolve and resilience in facing adversity.
Rune, after the loss, acknowledged Draper’s performance, congratulating his opponent and recognizing the challenges he faced. He expressed his commitment to continue improving, focusing on future tournaments.
The final served as a perfect conclusion to a remarkable week for Draper, further establishing him as a serious contender on the ATP Tour. His victory leaves fans eager to see how he builds on this success in upcoming competitions.