Match Report Draper takes on Khachanov in a dramatic final in Vienna
A Briton clinches his first ATP 500 title
October 27, 2024
E|movement| BuildAgentor Zollis KG | Michael Mindel
Jack Draper celebrates winning his maiden ATP 500 title at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna. Written by Jerome Combe
Jack Draper breathed a sigh of relief on Sunday after withstanding a late attack from Karen Khachanov to win the Erste Bank Open.
The Briton held on for a 6-4, 7-5 victory to secure his second ATP Tour title. After trailing 0-4 in the second set, Khachanov won five games in a row to shift the momentum in his favor. However, Draper came back to win the biggest title of his career.
“I was playing really well, and then the momentum changed,” said Draper, who improved to 37-21 this season. “Honestly, I wasn’t nervous or too nervous, I just missed some balls and made some bad decisions, and Karen lived up to his game. It’s a testament to how good he is, he’s a fighter and in great shape.
“It was very tough out there, but I stayed strong and in a good frame of mind. Fortunately, I was able to get through, and it was a relief. Winning my first ATP 500 tournament is unbelievable. I’m very happy and very proud of myself and my team. It’s moments like this So I will enjoy it.
Nothing short of sexy ⚡️
great @jackdraper0 He dazzles his way to the title in Vienna! #Ersti Bank is open | @ErsteBankOpen pic.twitter.com/mZaDFj2Hyt
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 27, 2024
With the victory, which took an hour and 35 minutes, Draper became the first player to win the tournament on his debut since compatriot Andy Murray did so in 2014. In a remarkable season, the 22-year-old will reach a new career high. From No. 15 in the PIF ATP Rankings on Monday.
Prior to Sunday’s championship match, Khachanov had a perfect 4-0 record in the indoor round level finals. The 28-year-old enjoyed a winning streak of eight consecutive matches after winning his seventh ATP Championship title last week in Almaty, but was unable to take the deciding set.
“I want to congratulate Jack and his team on this win, you deserve it,” Khachanov said. “You’ve been going for it all week. You are progressing this season and I wish you every success in the future. I’m looking forward to sharing the court again and avenging this loss.”
“Once you get to the final, you think about winning it. But I can’t complain, the last two weeks have been amazing. After winning last week and playing the final here in Vienna for the first time, I just want to thank my team.
“I was about to come back, and it shows you need to stay in there, be positive and fight hard. [We have] A great example here of doing this is in Thomas [Muster]”.
Your hero @jackdraper0 @ErsteBankOpen #TennisInsights | @atptour | @ErsteBankOpen pic.twitter.com/PvKyYAQLN7
– Tennis Insights (@tennis_insights) October 27, 2024
After leveling the Lexus ATP Head2Head series at 2-2, Draper became the fourth British man to win an ATP 500 title.
Draper was aggressive on serve throughout the first set, during which he won 95 percent (18/19) of the points behind his first serve, according to Infosys ATP statistics. In a see-saw second set, Khachanov flashed some of his best tennis, but it was Draper who held his nerve to cross the line.
