Taylor Fritz vs Jack Draper Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Draper backed to knock out home favourite Fritz

Draper has been playing top 10 tennis since last year's US Open and I don't feel enough has been made of his current level - although him being the slight bookies favourite here might be evidence that is starting to change.

Indeed, Draper has won 20 of his last 23 completed matches, only suffering defeats to Jannik Sinner, Alex de Minaur and Andrey Rublev, who was on fire and went on to win the title that week in Doha. Three of the four previous meetings between the pair have gone to a deciding set, so I wouldn't be surprised if we see another tight contest in the Californian desert. However, Fritz has been below his best all season and doesn't seem to be operating at completely full fitness. The American is a former champion here, but he's nowhere near that level at the moment and dropped a set to a severely out-of-form Alejandro Tabilo in his last match.

Backing Draper to continue his outstanding run of form and take another big scalp, while there's value on the Brit prevailing in three.

Currently locked at 2-2. Draper emerged victorious 7-6 4-6 6-4 in their most-recent encounter at the 2024 Paris Masters.

Fritz has registered a 10-4 record on the season heading into this contest, but truth be told, he hasn't really impressed at any stage.

The American started the year strongly by winning four matches at the United Cup, helping the USA lift the trophy, but it's been downhill from there.

Indeed, Fritz crashed out of the Australian Open third round against veteran Gael Monfils before suffering disappointing second round exits in Dallas and Delray Beach against Denis Shapovalov and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

Fritz, a former champion at Indian Wells, has got back to winning ways this week, but it hasn't been eye-catching, defeating qualifier Matteo Gigante before a battling three-set victory over Alejandro Tabilo.

There's absolutely no doubt, barring injury, that Draper will be ranked inside the top 10 sooner rather than later. In fact, it could be after this tournament.

Currently at a career-high mark of No. 12, Draper has won 20 of his last 23 completed matches dating back to the 2024 US Open, where he made his first major semi-final.

Draper has also done an excellent job of beating those he should on paper - indeed, the Brit has compiled a 16-0 record vs players ranked outside the top 50 since June 2024.

The 23-year-old arrived in Indian Wells following a fourth round showing at the Australian Open and runner-up appearance in Doha and has once again been impressive, crushing rising star Joao Fonseca in straight sets. before doubling down with a victory over the returning Jenson Brooksby.