Jack Draper’s defense of his Indian Wells title came to a bitter and controversial end on Thursday, as the British No. 1 fell 6-1, 7-5 to Daniil Medvedev. While Medvedev was undoubtedly the superior player in the opening set, the match was defined by a polarizing hindrance call at 5-5 in the second set that saw the California crowd erupt in boos.
Less than 24 hours after his grueling three-set victory over Novak Djokovic, a weary Draper struggled to match the relentless consistency of the former World No. 1. The result ends British interest in the singles draw, as Cameron Norrie also fell to Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets.
The controversy erupted with the score tied at 5-5, 0-15 in the second set. During a baseline rally, Draper briefly raised his arms, signaling he believed a Medvedev forehand had landed long. The rally continued for seven more shots before Medvedev netted a backhand; seemingly giving the point to Draper.
However, Medvedev requested a Video Review, a system implemented at Masters 1000 events since early 2025. After multiple replays, umpire Aurélie Tourte ruled that Draper’s gesture constituted a hindrance because he did something "different than you would normally do" in a rally. The point was awarded to Medvedev, sparking a cascade of jeers from the Stadium 2 crowd.
The exchange at the net was lengthy but cordial, with both players acknowledging the awkwardness of the umpire's decision.
First of all, Daniil was the stronger player, fair and square. I don’t think I did enough to hinder him but, at the end of the day, I did make a slight thing with my hands. If he had missed the next ball and it was very clear that I had hindered him, then I would get it. The rally carried on and I was able to win the point so I don’t think I should have lost the point. I think it’s pretty harsh.
Jack Draper
Medvedev, while admitting he didn't feel "good" about the point, stood by the official's call:
Was I distracted big time? No. Was I distracted a bit? Yes. Is it enough to win the point? I don’t know. If you look on the first forehand I do after it happened, I think I could have done a better shot if there was no gesture from Jack. Do I feel good about it? Not really, but I also don’t feel like I cheated. I let the referee decide.
Daniil Medvedev
Beyond the controversy, the match was a testament to the physical toll of the ATP tour. Draper admitted he "ran out of steam" following the Djokovic epic. Medvedev capitalized, racing through the first set in just 25 minutes.
On Monday, Draper will relinquish the British No. 1 spot back to Cameron Norrie, who fought gamely against Carlos Alcaraz but ultimately lost 6-3, 6-4. Alcaraz converted his fourth match point to set up a blockbuster semifinal showdown with Medvedev.
Video review: Since February 2025, Masters 1000 events allow VR for hindrances, foul shots, and scoring errors.
Rule: Any distraction caused by a player, intentional or unintentional, results in the loss of a point.
Precedent: Earlier this year, Aryna Sabalenka was called for a similar hindrance during the Australian Open for a change in her grunt.
Rankings blow: Draper will fall from World No. 14 to No. 26 following the loss of his title points.
Daniil Medvedev now advances to his third Indian Wells semi-final, where he will face the formidable Carlos Alcaraz. While the crowd may have left with a bitter taste following the Draper incident, the upcoming clash promises a purely sporting spectacle between the world's two most in-form players.
