Emma Raducanu, the international tennis sensation, expressed her delight over her good friend Jack Draper’s recent triumph at the Indian Wells Masters. The British WTA star, who shares a childhood bond with Draper, was elated by his ascent to the top-10, a first for his career, and his newly secured title as a Masters champion.
Having demonstrated his prowess in the Australian Open and made a significant impact in the Doha final, Draper further solidified his standing in the tennis world with his sterling performance at the Indian Wells Masters 2025. His win was a testament to his enduring form and a clear indication that his early successes in 2025 were not incidental. The British tennis maestro’s impressive desert victory stamped his authority as a master of the game, earning him his inaugural Masters title.
Draper’s journey to the Indian Wells title was not an easy one. He had to overcome formidable opponents such as Joao Fonseca, Jenson Brooksby, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Carlos Alcaraz, and Holger Rune. His victory elevated him from his previous career-high ranking of No. 12 to being the seventh-ranked player in the world.
When asked about Draper’s milestone victory, Raducanu was full of praise for her childhood friend. “I was overjoyed for him,” she told Sky Sports. “Having known him since our early days, I am aware of all the hard work he has put in and how much he deserves this victory. I am ecstatic and wholeheartedly rooting for him.”
Raducanu’s commendation of Draper is not unexpected. The 23-year-old tennis star has previously defended Draper on numerous occasions, including after her disappointing first-round exit at Flushing Meadows last year. The reigning Indian Wells champion had stood by her side, attributing the loss to “unfair expectations.”
Draper, meanwhile, during his remarkable Indian Wells run, offered some constructive criticism of the UK’s tennis culture. He expressed his desire to work alongside Raducanu to bring about positive changes in the tennis environment in their home country. Draper’s victory at the Indian Wells Masters not only cemented his position in the global tennis rankings but also served as a beacon of hope for the future of British tennis.