Jack Draper Clinches First ATP 500 Title at the Vienna Open

Jack Draper secured his first ATP 500 title by overcoming a second-set scare to defeat Karen Khachanov 6-4, 7-5 in the final of the Vienna Open on Sunday. This victory marks the 22-year-old Briton's second career title, following his earlier win at the ATP 250 event in Stuttgart in June.

"To win my first ATP 500 feels incredible," Draper expressed after the match, adding that he is proud of his achievements and those of his team. With this victory, Draper is set to enter the top 15 of the ATP rankings for the first time in his career.

Draper started strong, comfortably taking the first set and racing to a 4-0 lead in the second. However, the momentum shifted dramatically as Khachanov, the 28-year-old Russian, rallied back to win five consecutive games. Despite this challenge, Draper managed to regain his composure and close out the set.

"I was playing so good, and then the momentum shifted," Draper reflected. "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."

The match became increasingly tense, but Draper maintained his mental strength, ultimately securing the win and making history as the first player to triumph at the Vienna Open on his debut since fellow Brit Andy Murray in 2014.

On his path to the final, Draper defeated world number 17 Lorenzo Musetti in the semi-finals with a convincing score of 6-2, 6-4, and he lost just one set throughout the tournament. Draper’s performance in Vienna solidifies his status as a rising star in the world of tennis.