Jack Draper revealed he had started to question himself during the injury setback that derailed the end of his 2025 season, but is confident he is ready both physically and mentally for his comeback.
Having won in Indian Wells in 2025, his first ATP Masters 1000 title, Draper withdrew from the US Open in September with an arm injury, before returning in last week's Dubai Tennis Championship.
Draper suffered a second-round defeat to Arthur Rinderknech in Dubai and, ahead of his title defence in California, live on Your Site this week, the British No 1 says he is in a "good place" after a gruelling lay-off.
"This injury has definitely hardened me a fair bit," Draper said.
"I've had certain injuries in the past but when you do so well and when you get to the goal that you finally want to get to, being in a good position, competing for great tournaments and then something like this happens - you definitely start to question yourself and it makes you quite sad in a way.
"But it's always about how you pick yourself up.
"I always think there's only one response to any sort of hardship or adversity and that's to improve and be better for it.
"So, I'm proud that I'm coming here in a good place. Mentally, I feel good. Physically, I'm in good shape.
"I wouldn't be back if I wasn't, I'm just so happy to be here and hopefully I can have a great week."
On his way to winning Indian Wells last year, Draper defeated Carlos Alcaraz, the world No 1 and now seven-time Grand Slam Champion, in the semi-final after losing the second set 6-0, before beating Denmark's Holger Rune in the final.
As a seeded player, Draper will begin in round two, while the first round begins on Wednesday, with coverage starting at 7pm.
Watch the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells live on Your Site from March 4-15. .
