Jack Draper defeats Karen Khachanov for Vienna title | ATP Tour

Match Report

Draper withstands Khachanov in dramatic Vienna final

Briton clinches maiden ATP 500 title 

October 27, 2024

Jack Draper withstood a late charge from Karen Khachanov on Sunday to clinch the Erste Bank Open title.

The Briton stood firm in a 6-4, 7-5 triumph to secure his second ATP Tour title. Trailing 0-4 in the second set, Khachanov rattled off five consecutive games to shift the momentum firmly in his favour. However, Draper dialled back in to win the biggest title of his promising career.

“I was playing so good, and then the momentum shifted,” said Draper, who improved to 37-21 on the season. “Honestly, I didn’t feel too nervous or tight, I just missed a few balls and made some wrong decisions, and Karen picked up his level. That’s a testament to how good he is, he’s a fighter and he’s in great form.

“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. I am incredibly happy and so proud of myself and my team. It’s for moments like this, so I am going to enjoy it.”

Nothing short of sensational ⚡️

Magnificent @jackdraper0 dazzles his way to the title in Vienna! #ErsteBankOpen | @ErsteBankOpen pic.twitter.com/mZaDFj2Hyt

— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 27, 2024

With his one-hour 35-minute triumph, Draper became the first player to win the tournament on his debut since countryman Andy Murray did so in 2014. In a stellar season, the 22-year-old will rise to a new career-high of No. 15 in the PIF ATP Rankings on Monday.

Khachanov, who was on an eight-match winning streak, was unable to maintain his perfect 4-0 record in indoor tour-level finals. Draper was imperious on serve throughout the first set, during which he won 95 per cent (18/19) of points behind his first delivery, according to Infosys ATP Stats. In a pendulum-swinging second set, it was Draper who held his nerve to cross the line.

More to follow…