British number one Jack Draper has secured the biggest title of his career to date with a straight-sets victory over Karen Khachanov in the final of the Erste Bank Open in Vienna.
The 22-year-old ran the Russian ragged in the first set before Khachanov threatened a monumental turnaround in the second, but the Briton still managed to secure a 6-4 7-5 victory to clinch a maiden ATP 500 crown.
Draper's triumph sees him become just the fourth British man to take the Erste Bank Open title after Greg Rusedski, Tim Henman and Andy Murray, as the 22-year-old hits another new zenith in a magnificent 2024 season.
The US Open semi-finalist showed signs of fatigue in the closing stages of his semi-final success over Lorenzo Musetti on Saturday, but he looked in peak physical condition as he dominated the first set against a more experienced Khachanov.
Draper won a huge 95% of points on his first serve in the opening set as Khachanov failed to find answers to the Briton's ferocious hitting, and victory was within his sights as he raced into a 4-0 second-set lead.
However, seven-time ATP Tour champion Khachanov refused to cede the crown easily and unexpectedly found another gear to claw the second set back to 4-4, making up the double break on a double fault from Draper.
Draper becomes ATP 500 champion for first time in Vienna
JACK DRAPER WINS HIS FIRST ATP 500 TITLE! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Yg9WvZehTV
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) October 27, 2024
In the end, though, it was a bridge too far for the Russian, who lost serve for the fourth time in the match in the 11th game and missed two chances to break Draper while he was serving for the title.
The British number one was eventually able to collapse in elation after Khachanov sent one final shot high and wide, and Draper was briefly lost for words as he reflected on his near-collapse in the second set.
"Jeez," Draper exclaimed in his post-match interview. "I was playing so good and the momentum shifted a little bit. Honestly I didn't feel like I was too nervous or too tight. Karen starting swinging, picking up his level, that's a testament to his level as a fighter.
"I've loved being here, it's an incredible tournament, to win my first 500 it feels incredible. I'm so proud of myself, my team and the work I put in so I'm going to enjoy it."
Draper now has two ATP Tour crowns to his name this season following his inaugural victory in Stuttgart earlier this year, while Khachanov - who was also competing in his first ATP 500 final - has suffered his first loss in four championship matches.
Ben Knapton
