Novak Djokovic gave everything in his fourth-round clash in Indian Wells against Jack Draper.
The Serb suffered a 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 defeat in two and a half hours after a massive battle.
The veteran led 4-3 in the tie break and stood close to winning at 5-5. However, the defending champion claimed the pivotal points and emerged at the top, beating the legend for the first time in a career.
During his press conference, Novak felt a bit bitter and disappointed, standing so close to a place in his first Indian Wells quarter-final in 11 years. However, world no. 3 highlighted his effort and fighting spirit.
Djokovic praised Draper and underlined the fact they stayed neck and neck from start to finish. In the end, a couple of points made the difference. Actually, the Serb collected one point more than the Briton.
Both players clinched three breaks and sent the duel down to the wire. Jack missed a chance to seal the deal earlier. However, he kept his composure in the tie break to emerge at the top.
The veteran served well in the opener. He broke a left-hander in the tenth game to clinch the first part of the duel 6-4 in 34 minutes. Draper grabbed a break in the first game of the second set with a forehand winner.
Novak pulled the break back in game six before experiencing another setback on serve at 4-4. Jack denied a break point in game ten and closed the set with a service winner to arrange a decider.
The Briton secured a break in the third game and served well to move 5-3 in front. He served for the win at 5-4 and lost serve when Djokovic landed a winner at the net.
Thus, the veteran extended the duel and his chances. Djokovic collected three straight points in the tie break for a 4-3 lead before missing a drop shot in the eighth point.
The Serb bounced back for 5-5 before missing a backhand in the 11th point. Draper converted a match point with a forced error, moving over the top and sending the five-time champion packing.
“The feeling is a bit bitter right now after losing the match like this. I’m proud of myself for fighting and giving it all on the court – that’s for sure. That’s what I would take as a highlight.