Jack Draper emerged victorious in the ATP 500 final in Vienna, defeating Karen Khachanov with a score of 6-4, 7-5. When asked how it felt to secure this significant win, the British No. 1 shared, “It feels incredible. I’m incredibly happy.”
This match marked a pivotal moment for the 22-year-old as it was his first ATP 500 final. Throughout his early career, Draper has faced overwhelming nerves during critical matches that hindered his performance. However, after a dedicated year of honing his skills and physical fitness, he demonstrated his potential and resilience on the court.
“It’s been an amazing week, winning my first 500,” Draper reflected. “It’s been a long year for me with ups and downs, but I’ve proven that consistent hard work with my team leads to great results. Coming into this week, I felt good form, but I wasn’t entirely sure how my body would hold up. This victory is a testament to my dedication to the sport, and I’m very proud of that.”
Draper’s journey has come with its share of setbacks, including a significant incident at the US Open two years ago when he faced Khachanov in the third round. At that time, he was playing exceptionally well but ultimately had to retire due to a hamstring injury while serving for a lead.
Since then, Draper has faced disappointments yet remained patient and focused on his physical development. After reaching his first Grand Slam semi-final at last month’s US Open, he approached each match with newfound confidence.
In the final match against Khachanov, Draper was sharp from the start, breaking Khachanov’s serve early and maintaining a high level of play, with impressive statistics including landing 79% of first serves and winning 95% of those points. He effectively controlled the game with powerful forehands and kept pressure on his Russian opponent.
However, in the second set, after jumping to a 4-0 lead, Draper faced a dip in energy, allowing Khachanov to make a comeback by winning five consecutive games. “I was playing so well and then the momentum shifted a little bit,” Draper noted. “I didn’t feel too nervous; I just missed a few balls while Karen started swinging and picked up his level.”
Ultimately, Draper showcased his mental strength by regaining composure at a crucial moment, winning the final three games to clinch the title.
Looking ahead, Draper will not have much time to celebrate, as he prepares for the final Masters 1000 event of the year in Paris. As the highest-ranked unseeded player, he’ll face a tough first match against Jiri Lehecka from the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
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