British number one Jack Draper launched his title defence at the BNP Paribas Open with a three-set victory over former world No. 9 Roberto Bautista Agut on Saturday at Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
In their first meeting at tour level, reigning BNP Paribas Open champion Jack Draper recovered from a set down to beat 2019 Wimbledon semifinalist Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 in one hour and 45 minutes, advancing to the third round on Saturday.
In his on-court interview, the Brit outlined: "I am really glad with the way I came through in the second and third sets against a formidable opponent in Roberto. He is someone who has played such amazing tennis on the tour. I am proud of my performance.”
The three-time ATP title holder awaits Argentina Open champion Francisco Cerundolo, who prevailed over French qualifier Benjamin Bonzi 6-4, 5-7, 7-6(5) and could face five-time champion Novak Djokovic in the round of 16.
All in all, the world No. 14 hit 43 winners (24 on the forehand) against 27 unforced errors, converted three of seven break points, and won 88 percent of the points on his first serve.
Pursuing back-to-back titles, the 14th seed experienced a tough start as the experienced Spaniard stole the first set 6-3.
Hitting the ball cleanly off both wings, Draper kicked up a level to go the extra mile in the second set, setting the contest even at one set apiece.
Extended baseline exchanges set the tone of a hard-fought deciding set in which the 24-year-old got the better of his adversary, notching an early break to open a 3-1 advantage.
From there, he built momentum on his way to settling in with a double break in the seventh game.
Then, he halted a late challenge by the Spaniard, fending off three break points before he served out the match, earning a confidence-boosting result.
Sidelined from tour-level competition since last August due to a left arm injury, he is still at the early stages of his comeback at the Masters 1000 staged in Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the second tournament Draper competes in following his appearance in Dubai last week.
When asked about his return from injury, he said: “Even though from the moment I got here last week, I have felt the love and special feelings being back here, but at the same time I haven’t played in a long time and have had a difficult injury, so mixed emotions."
A year ago, the lefty was claiming the biggest trophy of his young career in California.
Today, the player coached by Jamie Delgado is confident in his tennis, motivated in his bid to defend the crown.
"To come out and play the level I am playing after the injury I had, I am really proud of that," he remarked.