Novak Djokovic blames one epic point after Indian Wells loss to Jack Draper: ‘Ran completely out of gas'

Novak Djokovic blamed his defeat to Jack Draper to one epic point in the opening game of the third set.

Updated on: Mar 12, 2026, 19:01:47 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Fresh from his defeat to Jack Draper in the Indian Wells Round of 16, Novak Djokovic blamed it on one point, which proved to be costly later. Draper, who is also the defending champion, did it the hard way, tiring out his 38-year-old opponent in the third set.

Novak Djokovic sits up after falling to the court with exhaustion against Jack Draper. (Getty Images via AFP)

In the opening game of the third set, with the score 30-30, and Djokovic serving, the pair went all out on each other in a 26-point rally. The Serbian veteran did win the point, though it reduced his energy levels by a great extent.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic hints at Serena Williams comeback, says Wimbledon ‘ideal’ return stage

After he won the point, Draper had a break point later, but Djokovic managed to save it and held his serve to go 1-0 up. But according to him, it proved costly, as he 'ran completely out of gas'.

"One point. Yeah, one point," he said, after the match.

"Yeah, I mean, it cost me a break after, you know. It was great winning that point in that game, but I just, like, ran completely out of gas and just started to feel a bit better towards basically end of the third.

"He played a sloppy game to close it out 5-4, and, you know, I got the crowd, you know, backing me, and I felt the energy. It was, like, maybe I’m gonna take this one.

"It was so close, so close. I mean, just unfortunate few mistakes from my side. Tiebreak, 4-3 up. 5-All, as well. That's tennis," he added.

Draper ended up sealing a 4-6 6-4 7-6 (7-5) victory. The margins were very thin in the first two sets, and the tide shifted on the epic point in the first game of the opening set.

Draper is currently playing in his second tournament since missing the majority of six months due to an arm injury. He will now face Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals on Thursday. The Russian bagged a 6-2 6-4 win against American Alex Michelsen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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