Draper and Norrie through at Indian Wells

British number one Jack Draper fought back from a set down – and feeling “a little bit underprepared” after eight months out with injury – to get his Indian Wells title defence off to a winning start.

An early break of serve in his third set gave Draper a crucial advantage which he pressed home to overcome Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6 6-3 6-2 and move into the third round in California.

Having only returned last week following the lay-off caused by bone bruising in his left serving arm, Draper – who had a bye in the first round – was wayward early on before hitting back at the beginning of the second set.

He built a 5-2 lead in the third and saved three break points in the final game.

Draper told BBC Sport he had “mixed emotions”.

“It felt great because of such good memories here from last year but, at the same time, difficult because I am probably underprepared for this tournament compared to how I would like it to be,” he said.

“I started a little slow, but then fought back hard and found some really good level towards the end. I can only go in one direction from here.”

Draper beat Holger Rune in last year’s final to lift his first Masters 1,000 trophy but, having reached a world ranking of four, his breakout year was curtailed.

Draper says he has probably done more serving during his injury lay-off than at any other point in his career, but it was not a weapon he was always able to rely on against Bautista Agut.

Draper’s fast start to the second set was, however, the pivotal moment of the match and, even though he is still showing plenty of signs of rust, he won the decider with room to spare.

Draper’s next opponent, Francisco Cerundolo, is happiest on a clay court.

Norrie, who won the Indian Wells title in 2021, will play Australian world number six Alex de Minaur in the last 32.

“I have been having an amazing preparation,” said Norrie.

“I got here with time – a lot of time – so I’ve been practising really really well against all types of players, and the weather’s been unreal, so good vibes all around.”

World number one Carlos Alcaraz was a 6-2 6-3 winner against Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov, while five-time Indian Wells champion Novak Djokovic beat Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak 4-6 6-1 6-2 to also reach the third round.

Spaniard Alcaraz won the Australian Open this year to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam, and has won all 13 of his matches in 2026.

“I played great,” he said. “The conditions weren’t easy – a lot of wind today.”

Serb Djokovic, playing for the first time since losing the Australian Open final to Alcaraz, said: “I knew that the first match in such a long time will be a little bit tricky.