This year, Draper has only participated in a couple of tournaments, notably pushing through three grueling five-set matches to reach the last 16 at the Australian Open and then rounding things off with a runner-up finish in Doha. His season has been carefully managed due to a hip injury he picked up during the off season.
His match against Fonseca, who seems to be gathering quite a fan base with enthusiastic Brazilian supporters showing up in large numbers, was yet another demonstration of Draper’s growing maturity on the court.
Although he didn’t start at his peak, Draper showcased his resilience and calm, managing to handle the surging young star who has been making waves on the ATP Tour.
Fonseca, quickly becoming one of the hottest players, notably became the fourth-youngest to grab an ATP Tour title since 2000. This isn’t surprising considering the hype, with plenty of fans arriving early to secure their spots on the smaller fourth court at Indian Wells.
Fonseca’s game heavily relies on a thunderous forehand, a shot he uses to overpower opponents from the baseline. However, his inexperience sometimes shines through, especially when a bit more tactical finesse is required. During key moments, instead of shifting gears, Fonseca stuck to aggressive play, which cost him as Draper seized another break in the ninth game.
Draper continued to play smart defense, wrapping up the first set on his second set point when Fonseca, a tad too eager, sent yet another forehand wide. Draper successfully saved four out of five break points, while Fonseca’s tally of 23 unforced errors eclipsed his nine winners.
Buoyed by a one-set lead, Draper’s confidence soared. He significantly upped his first-serve percentage, controlled the rallies, and moved with agility. The only snag came in the form of three consecutive double faults when serving for the match, but he shook it off and sealed a solid victory.
For Draper, a strong performance here in the Californian landscape could propel him into the world’s top 10—a career milestone he’s eyeing with determination.
“I’ve got some distance to go to refine my tennis, fitness, and mindset consistently,” he remarked. “I’m edging closer, but I know I’m not a top-10 player until I actually get there.”
