Jack Draper major doubt for Indian Wells after the British number three withdrew from his semi-final clash with Alex de Minaur at the Mexican Open

  • Jack Draper could miss Indian Wells after withdrawing from the Mexican Open
  • The 22-year-old withdrew from his semi-final after suffering stomach cramps
  • Draper was one set all with Alex de Minaur and trailed 4-0 in the third set

Jack Draper faces a battle to be fit for Indian Wells after withdrawing from the Mexican Open semi-final against Alex de Minaur.

The 22-year-old was one set all the way with world number 9 De Minaur when he suffered stomach cramps and ended it with a 4-0 deficit in the third set.

“I hate to withdraw but I really wasn’t feeling well,” Draper posted on Instagram after withdrawing midway through the match for the sixth time in his short career.

It was a sad end to an otherwise sparkling week in Acapulco, as Draper moved to a best-ever No. 37 in the world rankings in his run to the semi-finals.

That has seen rising star leapfrog Dan Evans to become Britain’s number 2 for the first time. A good run at Indian Wells could also see him topple Cameron Norrie as British No.1.

Jack Draper could miss Indian Wells after withdrawing from his match at the Mexican Open

Draper was tied at one set with Alex de Minaur in his semi-final before retiring

Draper was tied at one set with Alex de Minaur in his semi-final before retiring

Draper would have jumped into the top 30 in the world with the win in Acapulco, but he must hope he can recover in time to play his first round match at the ATP 1000 event in Indian Wells later this week .

“I’ve spoken to my coach about ranking goals and if I can stay injury-free and continue on the trajectory I’ve been on since last summer, there’s no reason why I can’t be in the top 20 by the end of this year. this year,” Draper said.

Draper has unfinished business after retiring last year with an abdominal injury against eventual winner Carlos Alcaraz in round four.