This promises to be an exhilarating clash between two of the prominent pinup idols in men’s tennis.
2025 ATP Tour
Masters 1000
Indian Wells Open
Indian Wells Tennis Garden, California (Outdoor Hardcourt)
Selected Round of 16 Matches- 12th March
Taylor Fritz (3) 1.16 vs Jack Draper (16)0.68
This promises to be an exhilarating clash between two of the prominent pinup idols in men’s tennis. Big-serving American Taylor Fritz has been one of the most consistent players on tour for the last three years, winning seven titles and reaching a further three finals since the beginning of 2022 (one of those titles coming in this very event). He was in inspired form last year, winning two titles and finishing runner-up at both the US Open and ATP Finals. He started his 2025 campaign in similarly dominant fashion, helping to guide the States to a United Cup triumph. But he has gone off the boil since then, going 4-3 in his first three tournaments of the season. But he has rediscovered some form in one of his favourite tournaments on the tour (he has reached the quarterfinal stage or better in three of his four previous Indian Wells outings). He eased past Gigante in his opener before a battling comeback win over big-hitting Chilean Tabilo. Fritz dominated on serve in the closing two sets against Tabilo, ultimately serving 12 aces and winning 80% of his first-serve points. Fritz hasn’t been at his exemplary best this season and this event gives him the ideal opportunity to kickstart his flagging campaign.
I really admire the way that Jack Draper’s team has managed him in these early stages of the season. Prone to injury, the uber-talented Brit has probably been guilty of playing a bit too much tennis these past few years. A semifinalist at last year’s US Open, Draper started the year with a solid 4th round run at the US Open (where he was forced to retire against Carlos Alcaraz). He then produced an excellent performance in Qatar, finishing runner-up to Andrey Rublev in a thrilling championship match. He eased past Fonesca in his opener but had a trickier time against Brooksby in his round of 32 clash. He trailed the awkward American 4-1 in the fist set, battling to come to terms with his use of slice. But he rallied back to ultimately prevail 7-5, 6-4, improving to 9-2 for the season. The lefty leaned on his serve in the clash, winning an impressive 90% of his first-serve points. He was also immaculate in the forecourt, winning 89% of his trips to the net. An aggressive baseliner by nature, Draper can spray unforced errors if the tide turns against him.
The Verdict: Draper to win in straight-sets at 1.6- This has been an incredibly tight rivalry, currently tied at two wins apiece. Draper won their most recent meeting at last year’s Paris Masters (their only hardcourt meeting to date). I think that Draper’s explosive power could give him a chance of an ‘upset’ win here. That huge lefty serve can expose Fritz’s backhand wing and open up the court for the Brit. Fritz hasn’t been at his elite best this year and I think the Brit could capitalize on that.
