Draper has long been tipped for the very top of the men’s game and is now rapidly closing in on the world’s top 10 for the first time.

The manner in which he dismantled Fritz, who finished runner-up at last year’s US Open after reaching his first major final, was another indicator that he has the potential to win some of the sport’s biggest prizes.

Physical issues have regularly held him back, however, with the latest being a hip injury which disrupted his off-season preparations and affected him at the Australian Open in January.

As a result, the Masters event in Indian Wells – often referred to as the biggest event outside of the four majors – is only his third tournament of the season.

Nevertheless, he has looked fit in the Californian desert and his sharp movement was another key factor in beating Fritz.

“I think it’s right up there with the best I’ve seen Jack play,” said former British number one Tim Henman, who was working as a courtside analyst for Sky Sports.

“This is a big, big win – let’s not shy away from it.

“The scoreline looks closer than it was because he was sensational in that middle part of the match.”