The ATP Indian Wells Masters will have a new champion for the first time in three years after Jack Draper denied defending champion Carlos Alcaraz a hat-trick of titles here with a solid three-set victory in the semifinal. Standing between him and his maiden Masters 1000 title is Holger Rune, who has also shone brightly in the Californian desert. Who will be crowned champion? We at LWOT offer our insights and prediction.
ATP Indian Wells Final
Holger Rune vs Jack Draper
Head–to–Head: Rune 1 vs 0 Draper
Holger Rune has played arguably the best tennis of his career in California, exceeding every pre-tournament expectation to get to the championship match, defeating an in-form Stefanos Tsitsipas and the resurgent Tallon Griekspoor en route. Against Daniil Medvedev in the semifinal, Rune did precisely what he had to do to win – blast the balls with so much venom and vary his game by visiting the net more often. It paid off as he defeated the Russian in straight sets.
Like Rune, Jack Draper decimated every opponent in an even more clinical fashion. He didn’t drop a set until he played the three-peat chasing Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinal, and the young Brit looked unruffled even after being bageled as he defied the crowd and the underdog tag to deny the Spanish superstar a hatrick of titles in the desert.
Rune will be buoyed by his performances this week, and he has more experience in his tails, with a previous Masters 1000 final experience offering him a slight psychological edge. That being said, Draper has been the more assured player on the balance of play this week. His service game has been excellent, and he seems to know when to break. It may be the biggest final of his career, but I trust the Englishman to remain unfazed and claim the title he deserves.
Prediction: Draper in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
