Jack Draper clinch maiden ATP 500 title in Vienna

Jack Draper won his maiden ATP 500 title in Vienna on Sunday after he withstood a late charge from Karen Khachanov 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 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.”

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.