Shelton Faces Khachanov, Brooksby Takes On Draper in Indian Wells

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — American tennis players Ben Shelton and Jenson Brooksby are set to continue their campaigns at the BNP Paribas Open on Monday, facing off against formidable opponents in the third round.

Shelton, ranked No. 12, will meet 23rd-ranked Karen Khachanov for the first time in their careers. The match follows an impressive opening performance by Shelton, who defeated Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-2 without facing a break point, showcasing his powerful serve that peaked at 150 MPH.

Despite a rollercoaster start to the season, including a semifinal run at the Australian Open, Shelton aims to harness the energy of the home crowd in Indian Wells. “I love playing in front of my fans, and it gives me that extra boost,” Shelton said.

Meanwhile, Khachanov appears to be struggling this season, holding a record of 3-5 in 2025, including a recent victory against Jakub Mensik. Historically, Khachanov has not performed well at Indian Wells, with a lifetime record of 8-7 at the tournament.

The second matchup features Jenson Brooksby, who will face off against Britain’s Jack Draper. Brooksby, ranked 937 after a nearly two-year hiatus due to wrist surgery and a doping suspension, has made a remarkable comeback. He advanced to the third round after defeating Benjamin Bonzi and Felix Auger-Aliassime.

“Every match feels like a victory for me at this point,” Brooksby stated. “I’m just enjoying the process and looking forward to more challenges.”

Draper, on the other hand, has been in fine form, climbing to 14th in the rankings with an 8-2 record this season. His most recent match ended in a decisive 6-4, 6-0 win over rising star Joao Fonseca. With a semifinal appearance at the 2024 U.S. Open, Draper has established himself as a serious competitor.

<p“I’m excited to take on Brooksby. He’s made a strong comeback, and I expect a tough match,” Draper commented.

As both matches unfold, Shelton’s and Brooksby’s performances will be vital not only for their individual aspirations but also for American tennis hopes in the tournament. With the competition heating up in Indian Wells, fans can expect thrilling matches as the American players battle for a coveted title.