Draper secures Vienna Open title with straight-sets win over Khachanov

Jack Draper clinched the Vienna Open title on Sunday, defeating Karen Khachanov 6-4, 7-5 to claim his first ATP 500 trophy. The 22-year-old Briton, who previously triumphed at an ATP 250 event in Stuttgart in June, will now break into the world’s top 15 for the first time.

“To win my first ATP 500, it feels incredible,” Draper said. “I am incredibly happy and so proud of myself and my team. I am going to enjoy it.”

Draper seemed to have full control, dominating the first set and surging to a 4-0 lead in the second. However, Khachanov, fresh off a victory in Almaty, mounted a comeback, winning five consecutive games. Draper regained his composure just in time, closing out the match and becoming the first player to win in Vienna on his debut since Andy Murray in 2014.

Reflecting on the final’s tense moments, Draper said, “I was playing so good, and then the momentum shifted. I just missed a few balls and made some wrong decisions. But I stayed solid and in a good mental frame. Luckily I was able to come through.”

Draper reached the final after defeating world No. 17 Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets in the semi-finals.

(Source: AFP)