Murray crashes out of Indian Wells

Jack Draper was triumphant against British superstar Andy Murray.

The 21-year-old defeated the 3-time-Slam winner 7-6 (8-6), 6-2 in their first competitive match against each other to progress to the last 16 round.

Draper made an early brake in the first set after Murray double-faulted and was on course of comftarbly clinching it at 5-4. However, Murray broke back to 5-5, and even had a chance of winning the set at Draper serve with a set point in hand.

The tie-brake was also tight and was eventually decided by a spectacular backhand return by Draper, followed by a swift ace, which secured him the lead after 83 minutes of play.

Before the 2nd set began, Draper had his upper right leg strapped, but barring one or two occasions there were no visible signs that he was in discomfort. The 21-year-old broke to a 4-2 and went on to easily secure the match, after Murray’s play had been plagued by errors.

“I’m very proud of myself. Beating Dan Evans, as well [in the previous round]. Dan’s a fierce competitor, someone who I’ve looked up to. That gave me confidence to go out there tonight and think even though it’s a really tough mental challenge again, I can do this,” Draper said.

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“This is my first tournament in the last couple of months since I played Rafa [Nadal] in the Australian Open.”

Draper will play Carlos Alcaraz in the last 16 on Tuesday.

Murray, on the other hand, is facing at least a week rest, before going to Miami, where he will try to add a third title to his collection.

“In the tie-break, I had a few opportunities but he came up with a really good return on the six-all point and then the second set was tough for me, physically,” Murray said after the match.

“Just a bit of fatigue to be honest – recently I’ve played quite a lot of long matches and the first set was very tough physically for both of us, and here it’s not that easy to finish points.”