I'll never forget the moment I beat Murray, insists Draper

JACK DRAPER has made no secret of the influence Andy Murray has had on his nascent career, first as an idol, then practice partner and confidant.

- Matt Majendie

On the basis of the pair’s first ATP Tour encounter, Draper has been using the advice to good effect, highlighting a generational shift with a 7-6, 6-2 win in a much-anticipated match as he reached the fourth round at Indian Wells.

Murray, known for his ability to pick out tennis talent, has long talked up Draper as having the potential to be one of the world’s best players, with his big left-arm serve and forehand. And it was those weapons that proved former world No1 Murray’s undoing in a two-hour match that did not disappoint, after which the pair had a long embrace and talk at the net.

“I’ve looked up to Andy since I was so young,” said Draper (right) in the aftermath of a win that will put him above his countryman in the world rankings.