A pulsating finale at the Erste Bank Open saw Jack Draper secure his maiden ATP 500 title, overcoming Karen Khachanov 6-4, 7-5. The dramatic tennis match almost slipped through the young Brit's fingers before he regained his composure to create history in Vienna. How did all of that unfold? Let's see.
From Dominant Start to Mid-Match Drama
The 22-year-old Draper started the championship match with a show of fine serving, winning an impressive 95 percent of points behind his first delivery in the opening set. The Briton's strong performance continued into the second set, where he built what seemed to be an invincible 4-0 lead against his more experienced opponent.
However, the Draper-Khachanov Vienna final took a dramatic turn as the Russian veteran, fresh off his triumph in Almaty, mounted a spectacular comeback. Khachanov, who entered the match with a perfect 4-0 record in indoor tour-level finals, reeled off five consecutive games, threatening to force a decisive third set.
Historic Victory Marks Career Milestone
Just when the momentum seemed to have completely shifted, the new ATP 500 title winner found another gear. Draper steadied himself in the crucial moments, somehow closing out the match in straight sets after one hour and 35 minutes. The victory was a significant milestone. The win meant that Draper became the first player since Andy Murray in 2014 to win the tournament on debut.
"I was playing so good, and then the momentum shifted," Draper said after the match. "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."
The triumph continues Draper's remarkable rise in 2024, catapulting him to a career-high ranking of No. 15 in the PIF ATP Rankings. For Khachanov, despite the disappointment of seeing his eight-match winning streak come to an end, he had some kind words to say to his colleague. "You are rising up this season and I wish you all the success in the future," The Russian told his opponent during the trophy ceremony. "I'm looking forward to sharing the court again and taking revenge for this loss."
Wrapping Up
Will you be rewatching the Khachanov vs Draper highlights? Perhaps you will. This match not only showed why Draper is a rising star, but also records his position as just the fourth British man to capture an ATP 500 title. For the young Briton, who claimed his first ATP title in Stuttgart earlier this year, this victory in Vienna is one more step in what's quickly becoming an impressive career.