Draper's Indian Wells title defence ended in controversial fashion

Jack Draper is called for a hindrance in a crucial moment, despite Daniil Medvedev making the next shot; British No 1 is dethroned while Carlos Alcaraz defeats Cam Norrie; Watch the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells live on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+, NOW and the app

Friday 13 March 2026 06:41, UK

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British No 1 Jack Draper was controversially ruled to have caused a hindrance to opponent Daniil Medvedev as his Indian Wells title defence ended in the quarter-finals.

The 24-year-old Briton, looking understandably weary from his exploits in beating Novak Djokovic less than 24 hours earlier, went down 6-1 7-5 to the former world No 1.

The decisive moment came at 5-5 and 0-15 in the second set when umpire Aurelie Torte decided to award Medvedev a point following a video review after Draper had raised his arms at a disputed line call and was deemed to have distracted his opponent, with Medvedev going on to seal a crucial break.

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The California crowd made their feelings clear as Medvedev was booed at the change of ends and again after sealing victory a short time later, although Draper shook hands with both Medvedev and Torte before leaving the court.

In a one-sided first set, Draper was broken in his opening service game after a net cord fell in Medvedev's favour at break point.

After rattling through his own service game, Medvedev produced winners down the line and cross court to move into a 4-0 lead after just 15 minutes.

Draper finally got on the board with a hold of serve to make it 5-1 but it was only a temporary reprieve as Medvedev wrapped up the set in 25 minutes.

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The second set was a closer contest, although it was the Draper serve which was consistently coming under the greater pressure, with Medvedev telling his opponent he "didn't feel great" about the incident which ultimately contributed to him sealing a semi-final spot at the end of the match.

Medvedev is on an eight-match winning streak, having arrived in California following a title run in Dubai.

The 30-year-old has won 16 sets in a row since falling to Stefanos Tsitsipas in Rotterdam.

"If you look at the first forehand I did after it happened, I think I could have done a better shot if there was no gesture from Jack," Medvedev told reporters.

"Was I distracted ‌big time? No. Do I feel good about it? Not really. But I also don't feel like I cheated or something. I got a bit distracted. I let it go and I let the umpire decide."

British interest in the singles came to an end as Cameron Norrie went down 6-3 6-4 to Carlos Alcaraz.

The British No 2 fought gamely against the world No 1 but was eventually outclassed.

Norrie struggled to land a blow on the Alcaraz serve in the early stages while struggling to hold his own, and the 30-year-old was eventually broken in the sixth game of the contest.

Surprisingly that led to a temporary lapse of concentration from the Spaniard, who was broken back to love only to then force a third straight break before wrapping up the opening set.

Norrie gained an early break in the second set but his own service problems saw Alcaraz haul his way back in front.

Norrie saved the first three match points he faced but Alcaraz duly converted the fourth to set up a semi-final showdown with Medvedev.

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