\n<\/p>\n
Draper has only played two tournaments this year – winning three five-setters in a row to reach the Australian Open last 16 before finishing runner-up in Doha – as he has continued to manage a hip injury sustained in the off season.<\/p>\n
The performance against Fonseca, whose matches are attracting large numbers of vocal Brazilian fans, was another example of his increasing maturity.<\/p>\n
Initially below his best, Draper showed resilience and composure to subdue one of the fastest risers on the ATP Tour.<\/p>\n
“I feel I did a really good job and I’m proud of the way I competed, the way I moved and what I did tactically,” he said.<\/p>\n
The buzz surrounding Fonseca, who became the fourth youngest man to win an ATP Tour title since 2000, led to hundreds arriving early to ensure they bagged a spot on the smaller fourth court at Indian Wells.<\/p>\n
Fonseca’s biggest weapon is a ferocious forehand and, while he regularly demonstrated his easy power from the baseline, there were also signs of his inexperience.<\/p>\n
In moments where the world number 80 perhaps needed a little more subtlety, he continued to hit extremely aggressively and paid the price as Draper broke again in the ninth game.<\/p>\n
The Briton continued to counter-punch well and took the opener on his second set point when Fonseca overeagerly pushed another forehand wide.<\/p>\n
Saving four of five break points proved key for Draper, while Fonseca’s 23 unforced errors outweighing nine winners was another key statistic.<\/p>\n
Boosted by the lead, a more confident Draper vastly improved his first-serve percentage, dominated the rallies and moved sharply around the court.<\/p>\n
The only blip in the second set was three successive double faults as he served for the match, but he recovered to clinch an impressive victory.<\/p>\n
Draper knows a strong run in the Californian desert could push him into the world’s top 10 for the first time in his career.<\/p>\n
“I have still got a long way to go and build my tennis, fitness and mentality day in, day out,” he added.<\/p>\n
“I’m getting closer but I’m not a top-10 player until I get there.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n