Indian Wells Masters: Alcaraz vs Draper Tennis Prediction & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Indian Wells Masters as Carlos Alcaraz takes on Jack Draper in the fourth round on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

Carlos Alcaraz will play a Next Gen star in Jack Draper for a spot in the quarterfinals at the Indian Wells Masters. Who will prevail?

Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jack Draper Match Preview

At the start of the 2023 Indian Wells Masters, Carlos Alcaraz’s leg injury looked to be the focus of attention. Having previously pulled out from Acapulco, he was in danger of missing out for the second straight tournament. But it looks like a week’s break was sufficient for Alcaraz to heal from the recurrent injury and has played pain-free in the first week, winning his two matches here in straight sets. Victory over Tallon Griekspoor on Monday night earned Alcaraz his 100th tour-level win, placing him second behind John McEnroe for the fewest matches to reach that milestone (100-32).

Jack Draper, meanwhile, won the first career meeting against compatriot Andy Murray, beating the legendary Scotsman 7-6 6-2 to ensure his debut run at Indian Wells will last into the second week. Draper and Murray played a close first set, with Murray recovering from a break deficit to force a tiebreak. But Draper’s menacing serve and powerful forehand trumped Murray’s baseline hustle. He was also quick to chase Murray’s drop shots and plant winners. The second set was one-way traffic with Draper outrunning Murray to pick up a deserved win and book a meeting against Carlos Alcaraz in the fourth round.

Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jack Draper Prediction and Pick

Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper have played once before on the ATP Tour, with Alcaraz leading the head-to-head 1-0. He won that match on the indoor hard courts of Basel last year in an epic. Draper’s first serve and that forehand combo are pure malice. But you would expect a fine returner like Alcaraz to get a better read and extend the rallies. Alcaraz has better movement, although the Briton is no slouch in that department. The World No. 2 has our backing to come out on top, but we recommend taking Draper on the sets spread to maximize returns as he can easily push the young Spaniard to at least a tiebreak and potentially win one.