Draper’s rise over the past year has been solid and steady.
His first trophy came on the Stuttgart grass in June last year, followed by an ATP 500 hard-court title in Vienna in October.
His run to the US Open semi-finals captured the attention of the wider British public, although his nerves were illustrated by vomiting on court in a defeat by eventual champion Jannik Sinner.
Draper began seeing a “breathing coach” to help solve the issue, and he pointed to the way he came through the third set against Alcaraz as an example of his improved composure.
“I had a few doubts before the Indian Wells final wondering if would feel the same things – but I didn’t,” he said.
“I was really strong and focused on my breathing and things I could control. That’s what I was really proud of.”
The next step from Masters champion is a logical one – becoming a Grand Slam champion.
Winning Indian Wells is no guarantee of future major success but as Dominic Thiem, Naomi Osaka and Bianca Andreescu have shown, coming through a 96-player field of the very best opponents is a strong indicator.
Hard courts have been Draper’s most successful surface, but the next two majors are on the French Open clay-courts and Wimbledon grass.
So far he has struggled on clay, but his improved footwork should help, while the increasingly dangerous serve and groundstrokes are suited to grass-court success.
“I still feel I have a lot to prove on the clay,” Draper added.
“I didn’t get it going last year, but I don’t see why I can’t be pushing the best players on that surface.
“As for grass, I feel my game has improved massively since last year.”