Draper Jokingly Downplays Shelton’s Serve, Praises American’s “Incredible Weapon”

Jack Draper has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells Masters 1000, setting up a first-time encounter with fellow left-hander Ben Shelton. Following his victory over Taylor Fritz, Draper addressed the challenge ahead, particularly focusing on Shelton’s renowned serve, while also noting his own strong form.

Draper Prepares for Shelton’s “High Energy” Game

Draper acknowledged Shelton’s impressive performances, noting his “high energy” and consistent play. He highlighted Shelton’s powerful serve, stating, “We all know how he serves, I saw him play last night and he hit some serves at 240km/h. I don’t think I can do that (laughs).” This converts to roughly 149 mph. While delivered with a touch of humor, Draper’s comment underscores the respect he has for Shelton’s serving ability.

Shelton’s Serve: A Force to Be Reckoned With

Ben Shelton has quickly gained recognition for his exceptional serve. At the 2023 US Open, he recorded a serve of 149 mph, the fastest of the tournament. He has since surpassed that, reaching 150 mph on multiple occasions. Shelton’s serve averages around 126 mph (203 km/h). His serve is not just about speed; he also generates significant kick on both his first and second serves, making it a potent weapon. Some observers have noted Shelton’s serve is already among the world’s best.

Contrasting Styles: Draper’s Ground Game vs. Shelton’s Serve

Ahead of their match, analysts have highlighted the contrasting styles of Draper and Shelton. Draper is known for his aggressive baseline game, particularly his powerful forehand. He’s also known for his strong backhand. Shelton, on the other hand, relies heavily on his serve and forehand to dictate play, often approaching the net to finish points. Draper’s coach, James Trotman, has been instrumental in helping him prepare tactically and emotionally for these types of matchups.

Draper Aims for Top 10, Praises Shelton’s Consistency

Draper also mentioned that Shelton, like himself, is aiming for a place in the top 10, and he sees Shelton’s rise as “impressive”. Draper recognized the challenge, stating, “Of course, it will be a very tough match.” He has to win the Shelton match and the semi-final to reach the top 10 this week, but he will move up to at least 13th.

The Southpaw Showdown: A First-Time Encounter

The upcoming quarterfinal marks the first career meeting between Draper and Shelton. Both players are left-handed, adding another layer of intrigue to the match. Experts predict that Draper’s return game will be tested by Shelton’s accurate and powerful serving.

Draper’s Confidence Following Fritz Victory

Draper is coming off a strong performance against Taylor Fritz, where he felt he “played at a very high level.” He particularly highlighted his improved serving, stating, “I think today I served very well, I believe this was an element that put a lot of pressure on him.” Draper won 91% of his first serve points against Fritz. He also emphasized the importance of aggression in his game, a strategy that proved successful against Fritz.

Draper’s Recent Form and Injury Comeback

After struggling with his serve in previous matches at Indian Wells, Draper found his rhythm against Fritz. He attributed his success to feeling “really strong in every area” of his game. Draper has been in good form recently, making the final in Doha and showcasing his resilience after overcoming earlier struggles this year.

Expert Predictions: A Close Match Expected

Tennis analysts are anticipating a close contest between Draper and Shelton. While Shelton’s serve gives him an edge, Draper’s all-around game and recent form make him a formidable opponent. Predictions lean towards a three-set match, with Draper being a slight favorite.