Draper only played two tournaments this year – won three five successive setters to reach the last 16 Australian Open before completing the runner -up in Doha – because he continued to manage hip injuries suffered in the off season.
Performance against Fonseca, whose match attracted many Brazilian vocal fans, is another example of increasing his maturity.
Initially below the best, Draper showed endurance and calm to conquer one of the fastest risters on the ATP Tour.
Buzz around Fonseca, who became the fourth youngest man who won the ATP tour since 2000, caused hundreds to arrive earlier to ensure they pocketed a place in a smaller fourth court in India Wells.
Fonseca’s biggest weapon is a fierce forehand and, while he regularly shows its easy strength from the baseline, there are also signs of lack of experience.
At the time when number 80 the world may require a little smoother, it continues to reach very aggressive and pay the price when the draper breaks again in the ninth match.
The British continued to be opposite to the good blow and took the opening at the second set point when the Fonseca excessively pushed another wide forehand.
Saving four of the five Break points proven to be key to draper, while 23 Fonseca errors that are not forced exceeding nine winners are other main statistics.
The second set is a different story.
Encouraged by leaders, more confident curtains greatly increase the percentage of their first service, dominating demonstrations and moving sharply around the court.
The only one blip is three double -made mistakes in a row when he serves for the match, but he recovered to achieve an impressive victory.
Draper knows a strong path in the California desert can push him to the top 10 of the world for the first time in his career.
“I still have to take a long path and build tennis, fitness, and mentality day after day,” he added.
“I’m getting closer but I’m not a top-10 player until I get there.”
