Britain’s Jack Draper claimed the largest title of his profession with a tense straight-sets victory over Karen Khachanov on the Erste Financial institution Open in Vienna on Sunday.
The 22-year-old, enjoying in his second competitors since reaching the US Open semi-finals, gained 6-4 7-5 in opposition to the Russian world No 24 within the Austrian capital
Draper appeared set to breeze to victory after going 4-0 up within the second set however was then pressured to dig in when Khachanov threatened a comeback by profitable the subsequent 5 video games in a row.
The seventh seed turned the fourth British participant to triumph on the match, following within the footsteps of Greg Rusedski, Tim Henman and two-time winner Andy Murray.
“I was playing so good and then the momentum shifted a little bit. I didn’t feel too tight or too nervous. I just missed a few balls here and there,” mentioned Draper.
“I made a few mistaken selections and Karen began swinging, choosing up his degree. That’s testomony to how good he’s. He is a fighter. I bought a bit tight however I stayed strong, stayed in body mentally and by chance I used to be capable of come by when it mattered.
“It feels incredible, I am incredibly happy. I am so proud of the work myself and my team have put in. It is for moments like this.”
Having already assured a top-15 rating together with his performances this week, Stuttgart Open champion Draper described the match as his “biggest final yet”.
He wasted little time in asserting his authority on the competition as his stellar breakthrough season continued with a devastating first-set show.
Opponent Khachanov, who beat second seed Alex De Minaur and 2021 Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini en path to Sunday’s showpiece, was damaged from 40-15 up in recreation three.
That proved to be the decisive second in a gap set which was wrapped up in 40 minutes after Draper served strongly and produced an array of eye-catching winners.
Khachanov had additionally been serving effectively however confirmed indicators of nerves when he was twice damaged to like firstly of a second set to fall 4-0 behind.
The match appeared to have slipped away from the 28-year-old however he gave Draper a lot to ponder by impressively transferring 5-4 forward throughout a considerable momentum shift.
Nevertheless, the Briton regained his composure at a vital second to safe his first ATP 500 title because of a gruelling victory in an hour and 35 minutes.
“The late nights, the early mornings are to play some amazing tennis in front of packed crowds in big arenas. It makes it worth it,” mentioned Draper after lifting the trophy.
Khachanov joked: “I felt like I was playing the PlayStation at the beginning. I played here, he played there. No chance!”
Story of the Tape
Draper joins British greats at ATP 500 winners
Draper continues to climb up the rankings
Draper’s outstanding 12 months
Draper reached his maiden ATP Tour closing in Sofia final November, the place he narrowly misplaced to France’s Adrian Mannarino 7-6 (8-6) 2-6 6-3.
He picked up the place he left off firstly of 2024 – defeating three top-40 gamers to make his second ATP closing in Adelaide, however as soon as once more completed as runner-up, this time to Jiri Lehecka.
Draper reached his third ATP closing – this time on grass in Stuttgart – in June and after wins over Frances Tiafoe, Marcos Giron and Brandon Nakashima he defeated former Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini to make it third-time fortunate.
The 22-year-old battled again from a set all the way down to beat the Italian 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4.
The win additionally meant that he overtook Cameron Norrie to grow to be the nineteenth man to be British No 1 within the Open period.
At Queen’s Membership, he upset Carlos Alcaraz within the second spherical and he then made his maiden Grand Slam semi-final on the US Open the place he went toe-to-toe with Sinner earlier than bowing out 7-5 7-6 (7-3) 6-2.
Draper celebrated his second ATP title following a tense straight-sets victory over Karen Khachanov within the closing of the Erste Financial institution Open on Sunday.
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Jack Draper beatKaren Khachanov to win the Erste Financial institution Open title in Vienna on Sunday
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