Jack Draper beat big-serving American Ben Shelton 6-4 7-5 on a cold and blustery evening in Indian Wells to set up a tantalising semi-final against two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Britain’s Draper reached his first Grand Slam semi-final at September’s US Open but had never before made it to the last four at a Masters 1000 event.
If the 23-year-old beats four-time major champion Alcaraz on Saturday he will be guaranteed a place in the world’s top-10 for the first time.
“I’m always proud of myself,” said Draper, who is yet to drop a set in the tournament.
“Unfortunately in tennis you’re in a sport where there is always the next match and you have to prove yourself every time.
“I’m never content with anything. I always want to have more wins and more opportunities to play top players.”
Draper has played Alcaraz four times, with his sole win coming on grass at Queen’s last year.
Spanish world number three Alcaraz beat Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo 6-3 7-6 (7-4) to record his 16th successive match win in California.
