Shelton becomes youngest American man to reach Indian Wells QFs since Roddick

"For me, the second set was outstanding. Whenever you can get a two-break win in a set against a server like him, it's really encouraging for where my level is at," Shelton said. "I'm pleased with my performance today. I think there are things I am trying to add into my game each week and I'm trying to implement them this week.

"Sometimes things don't work all the time. I make execution errors. I feel my intent has been really good this week and that has been a huge part of my success."

A two-time Grand Slam semifinalist—reaching that stage at the 2023 US Open and earlier this year at the Australian Open—Shelton is hungry to match those results in Indian Wells. To do so, he will need to beat an in-form Draper, who has also advanced to his third ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal without dropping a set.

Six months after his first Grand Slam semifinal appearance last summer at the US Open, the 23-year-old Draper knocked out 2022 Indian Wells champion Taylor Fritz, 7-5, 6-4, on Wednesday to match his best result at the Masters 1000s.

Fritz won his maiden title at that level three years ago in Tennis Paradise, beating Rafael Nadal in a dramatic final. For Shelton or Draper, their path to the 2025 trophy will likely go through another Spaniard: two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who would await in the semifinals if he can beat Francisco Cerundolo on Thursday.