"Really special person, privileged to play against him" - Jack Draper showers adulation on compatriot Andy Murray after Indian Wells win
To Jack Draper's credit, the rising youngster treated Andy Murray as yet another opponent, given that he idolizes his fellow Brit and has looked up to him from a very young age. Draper expressed great admiration for Murray after beating the three-time Grand Slam champion 7-6(6), 6-2 in the third round at Indian Wells on Monday.
It was the first match between the two players on the ATP tour, having previously faced each other at the 'Battle of the Brits' exhibition event in December, where Murray won. At Indian Wells on Monday, Murray stretched Draper to the limit in the opening set, making a comeback from a break of serve down before the 21-year-old bagged a very close set and went on to win comfortably thereafter.
Speaking after the match, Draper opened up about his camaraderie with Murray, reflecting on how he watched Murray win Wimbledon for the first time as an 11-year-old and has now gotten to know him personally and share the court with him.
"I've looked up to Andy since I was so young," Jack Draper said in his post-match on-court interview. "I watched him win Wimbledon for the first time in 2013 and I've had the opportunity to get to know him. I've practiced with him often since 2019."
Draper further lavished praise on Murray's personality and conduct on and off the court.
"He's a really special person, a great champion, a great human being. Privileged to play against him on this court," Draper said further on Andy Murray.
Kind words from Jack to Andy
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World No. 56 Draper, who is set to return to the Top-50 next week, faces his biggest test yet this week in the next round as he takes on world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz on Wednesday.
Beating Andy Murray and Dan Evans gives Jack Draper great confidence ahead of Carlos Alcaraz clash
Jack Draper's win over Andy Murray was his second consecutive win this week against a fellow Brit. He beat 24th seed Dan Evans in the second round. Looking ahead to his clash with top seed Alcaraz, Draper believes beating players of the caliber of Evans and Murray gives him a high level of confidence going into the Round of 16 contest against the in-form Alcaraz.
"Beating Dan and Andy, that's about as much confidence as I'd need for that match," Draper said.
Having said that, he also recognized the magnitude of the challenge Alcaraz will pose to him. Draper is excited to face the 19-year-old Spaniard.
"Carlos is another level up, he's been No 1 in the world, had an exceptional year last year, so it would be amazing to play him again in another real battle," Draper added.
The pair last met at the Swiss Indoors in Basel last season, where Alcaraz mounted a strong comeback to win their Round of 32 clash 3-6, 6-2, 7-5. Meanwhile, Alcaraz beat Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets in the third round at Indian Wells on Monday.