By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [7] def Karen Khachanov 6-4 7-5
- Jack Draper talked about his journey throughout the year after winning his maiden ATP 500 title in Vienna.
VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Jack Draper has revealed that he is ‘proud’ after winning the biggest title of his career at the ATP 500 event in Vienna.
 |
Jack Draper has won the biggest title of his career after claiming glory in the ATP 500 event in Vienna.
The British number one defeated Karen Khachanov in straight sets to win his first career ATP 500 title as well as claiming the second title of his season and career.
Just like his last his last few matches Draper got off to the best possible start by breaking early through some aggressive play which was followed by a hold to love, taking a 3-1 lead.
After going down two more break points, Khachanov was visibly annoyed as there appeared to be a person in the crowd harassing him. Play was stopped until the spectator was resumed and when play did get back under way, Khachanov saved the two break points to keep the pressure on the seventh seed.
However the bad news for Khachanov was that Draper failed to crumble under the pressure and remained untouchable throughout the remainder of the set. Only three points were lost on serve as Draper secured the opening set in 40 minutes.
At times this season Draper has often lacked a clinical edge but that was not the case in the second set as he broke Khachanov to love twice to take a double break lead. A comfortable hold to love saw Draper take a 4-0 lead against a bemused Khachanov as the Brit was within touching distance of a thumping victory.
Despite the big lead Draper knew he had to continue to put pressure on Khachanov as he entered this match on an eight match winning streak having won the ATP 250 event in Almaty last week. The Brit missed the opportunity to seal the treble break and would ultimately pay a heavy price for that.
This is because Khachanov took advantage of some nervy and passive play from Draper and stunned the Brit by claiming the next five games in comfortable fashion. The Brit was 4-0 up but was now facing the prospect of losing the second set against a confident and authoritative Khachanov.
Once again pressure didn’t faze Draper as he comfortably held for 5-5 before sealing a crucial break to serve for the biggest title of his career. Khachanov refused to give up and took advantage of more nerves from Draper as some aggressive play saw him create two break points to force a second set tiebreak. However Draper produced some big serving and attacking play to save the break points and seal the biggest title of his career as he let all the emotions out after the match.
In his on-court interview Draper spoke about how the momentum shifted in the match and described the win as ‘incredible.’
“I was playing so good, and then the momentum shifted. Honestly, I didn’t feel too nervous or tight, I just missed a few balls and made some wrong decisions, and Karen picked up his level. That’s a testament to how good he is, he’s a fighter and he’s in great form,” Draper explained to the ATP website.
“It got really tight there, but I stayed solid and in a good mental frame. Luckily I was able to come through, it was a relief. To win my first ATP 500, it feels incredible. I am incredibly happy and so proud of myself and my team. It’s for moments like this, so I am going to enjoy it.”
 |
Draper overcomes rollercoaster season to achieve Vienna title
It is the biggest title of Draper’s career in what has been a rollercoaster season which has involved coaching changes, injuries and some brutal losses.
However there have been some incredible highs from winning two titles to beating Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s Club to reaching his first Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open.
Speaking about his season Draper spoke about the highs and lows as well as detailing why this week has been such a breakthrough.
“It’s been an amazing week, winning my first 500,” Draper told The Guardian.
“It’s been a long year for me with many ups and downs but I’ve proved that if I keep working consistently well with the team then I’m going to keep on having great results. I knew that coming here this week I was in good form, but I wasn’t too sure how my body was.
“I think, again, it’s a testament to the work I’ve been doing and how much I’m dedicating myself to this sport. I’m very proud of myself.”
As a result of this week Draper is now at a new career high ranking of 15 in the world, another new milestone in this exceptional season.
There is no time for Draper to celebrate as he now heads to the final Masters 1000 event of the season in Paris where he is the highest unseeded player in the tournament.
How to Watch/Follow ATP Vienna 2024
| Live Stream | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
TennisTV <- Subscription Required |
| Live Scores | Tennis Scores Powered By TNNSLIVE |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |