Novak was unable to secure a third victory at Indian Wells, exiting the tournament after three hard-fought sets and missing out on a place in the last eight of the season’s first Masters 1000 event.
The five-time BNP Paribas Open champion took the opening set to seize the early initiative, but could not maintain his rhythm in the remainder of the match. No.14 seed Jack Draper capitalised on his chances in the second and third sets, emerging victorious 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) in a thrilling contest that lasted two hours and 35 minutes.
“It’s a tough loss to take. One point, just a couple of shots decided the winner. I didn’t even realize from the stats that I had actually won one point more than my opponent today. Still, the disappointment remains because I gave it everything and managed to get back into the match when he was serving for it in the third set. The crowd was fantastic and the atmosphere incredible. Probably the best match of the tournament. I congratulate him – he stayed composed until the very end. It’s a pity, really. Looking back now… a player is always wiser after the battle, but it is what it is. I’ve had many wins and losses like this in my career. Unfortunately, that’s the way it goes – now we move on,” Novak said after the match.
In the first set, both players held serve comfortably, with little to separate them until the closing stages. Novak came through in the final game, converting the second of three consecutive set points to take the opener 6-4.
The second set began unfavourably for the Serbian star, who was broken in the very first game. However, he raised his level in the sixth game, recovered the lost service game, and won three games in a row to lead 4-3. The balance of the match swung again … the Brit responded aggressively in the ninth game, breaking Novak without losing a point and then consolidated the break after a saved break point to level the match at one set all.
The decider started with a spectacular game, as Novak saved a break point and raced to a 1-0 lead, producing several remarkable points. As the set progressed, the physical demands began to take a toll on the 38-year-old Belgrade native, favoring his 15-years-younger opponent. In the third game, Draper converted his third break point to take the lead and confirmed it two games later for 3-1. The Briton’s superior fitness allowed him to reach every ball, serve strongly, and play his best tennis. At 5-4, Draper served for the match, but Djokovic fought back, capitalising on the second of three break points to level at 5-5. The set eventually reached a tie-break, where Novak rallied from 1-3 to 4-3 with two serves in hand. Draper then struck back with two mini-breaks in succession to regain the lead. Nole managed to recover one point, but ultimately succumbed on his serve in the final point.
Match statistics: aces (4-13), double faults (2-5), winners (26-39), unforced errors (36-35), total points won (99-98).
Photo: Profimedia