Draper downs Khachanov to seal maiden ATP title in Vienna
Oliver King
October 27, 2024 02:10 MYT
October 27, 2024 02:10 MYT
Jack Draper claimed his first ATP 500 title at the Vienna Open after downing Karen Khachanov 6-4 7-5 on Sunday.
Draper rallied from 4-0 down in the second set to claim the triumph, with his season record improving to 37-21.
The Briton also became the first player to win the tournament on his debut since compatriot Andy Murray did so in 2014.
At the end of a stellar season, the 22-year-old will rise to a new career-high of number 15 in the world rankings on Monday.
“I was playing so good, and then the momentum shifted,” said Draper.
“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 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.”
Super super Jack, super JACK DRAPER #ErsteBankOpen | @ErsteBankOpen | e|motion/Bildagentur Zolles KG/Christian Hofer pic.twitter.com/HacxUsVKxu — ATP Tour (@atptour) October 27, 2024
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At the Swiss Indoors in Basel, meanwhile, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard stunned Ben Shelton 6-4 7-6 (7-4) to become the lowest-ranked champion since Basel became a tour-level event in 1975.
Mpetshi Perricard took advantage of an uncharacteristically slow start from Shelton to take the opener before edging a second-set tie-break for the win.
In a battle between two big hitters, it was the Frenchman who prevailed, serving a massive 22 aces, including two that sealed the win, compared to Shelton's 10.
“It’s amazing to win a tournament like that, a 500, for the first time for me,” said Mpetshi Perricard.
“I just can be happy with myself, with what I did today and the past five days. It’s amazing to win here.
"[Before this] it was a tough month for me, but it’s always good when the victories are there.”