The Digester

Medvedev ends Draper’s Indian Wells title defence after controversial hindrance ruling

Mar 12th 2026

Daniil Medvedev advanced to the Indian Wells semi-finals after a referee ruled that Jack Draper’s minor hand movement constituted a hindrance, awarding Medvedev the point that ended Draper’s title defence.

  • An official ruled Jack Draper’s slight hand movement a hindrance and awarded the decisive point to Daniil Medvedev, ending Draper’s title defence.
  • Draper said he was not angry, admitted a small gesture, and called the penalty harsh.
  • Medvedev said he felt slightly distracted but denied cheating and said he left the decision to the referee.
  • Medvedev will face Carlos Alcaraz in the Indian Wells semi-finals.