Jack Draper overcame a late scare to lift the biggest title of his career at the Vienna Open – and emulate three British tennis greats.
Draper downed a resurgent Karen Khachanov 6-4, 7-5 to win his second ATP title of 2024, though the scoreline perhaps makes the match look a little more straightforward than it panned out.
The Brit was seemingly cruising to victory at 6-4, 4-0 up, only for Khachanov to storm back and win five games in a row.
The Russian was just two points away from forcing a deciding set, though Draper rallied to win the final three games of the final.
“I was playing so good, but then the momentum shifted a little bit,” he said post-match.
“Honestly, I didn’t feel like I was too nervous or too tight. I just missed a few balls here and there, maybe a couple of wrong decisions. Karen just started swinging, started picking up his level – that’s a testament to how good he is, he’s a fighter.
“It got really tight there for a minute, but I stayed solid, I played mentally in a good frame, and luckily I was able to come through when it mattered.
“I’ve loved being here. Vienna’s an incredible tournament and to win my first ATP 500 here, it feels incredible. I’m incredibly happy.”
