Jack Draper achieved a career-defining victory at the Vienna Open, overcoming a tense final stretch to clinch the biggest title of his career and place his name among an elite group of British tennis champions. In a thrilling encounter against Karen Khachanov, Draper emerged victorious with a scoreline of 6-4, 7-5, marking his second ATP title of 2024 and his first-ever ATP 500 title. The match was far from straightforward, with Draper having to fend off a late surge by Khachanov that put his mental resilience to the test.
Draper initially appeared to be cruising towards victory, building a strong lead at 6-4, 4-0. But Khachanov, known for his tenacity and power, suddenly rallied, winning five consecutive games to turn the tide. The Russian was within just two points of forcing a deciding third set, but Draper dug deep and responded under pressure, winning the final three games to secure the title. Reflecting on the match, Draper acknowledged the shift in momentum and praised Khachanov’s resilience.
“I was playing so good, but then the momentum shifted a little bit,” Draper said post-match. “Honestly, I didn’t feel like I was too nervous or too tight. I just missed a few balls here and there, maybe a couple of wrong decisions. Karen just started swinging, started picking up his level – that’s a testament to how good he is, he’s a fighter.”
Despite the nail-biting situation, Draper credited his ability to stay mentally composed during the crucial moments. “It got really tight there for a minute,” he explained, “but I stayed solid. I played mentally in a good frame, and luckily I was able to come through when it mattered.”
Winning in Vienna held a particular significance for Draper, who joins a prestigious list of British players who have triumphed in the Austrian capital, including his idol Andy Murray, as well as Greg Rusedski and Tim Henman. By winning on his tournament debut, Draper became the first Brit to accomplish this feat since Murray in 2014. His victory also elevates him to a career-high ATP ranking of 15, establishing him as the British No. 1 and solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport as he heads into the 2025 season.
For Draper, the Vienna Open win is more than just another title; it’s a confirmation of his growth as a player and the culmination of a year filled with hard work and perseverance. “I’ve loved being here,” he said, clearly moved by the experience. “Vienna’s an incredible tournament, and to win my first ATP 500 here feels amazing. I’m incredibly happy.”
Draper’s achievement at Vienna mirrors that of Andy Murray, who also captured his first Vienna Open title in 2014 by defeating David Ferrer in a hard-fought three-set match. Murray went on to win the tournament again in 2016, besting Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in another competitive final. Draper’s win evokes memories of Murray’s tenacity and ambition, as both players used their success in Vienna as stepping stones to greater achievements on the ATP Tour.
The list of British champions in Vienna also includes former world-class players Greg Rusedski and Tim Henman, who both left their mark on the tournament over two decades ago. Rusedski reached the Vienna final in 1997 but fell short of victory, only to return two years later and capture the title with a win over Nicolas Kiefer. Henman followed suit in 2000, defeating Tommy Haas to claim the fifth of his 11 career ATP titles. Draper now joins this elite list, adding his name to the history books alongside these iconic figures of British tennis.
Draper’s win also places him among other past champions of the Vienna Open who have gone on to leave a lasting impact on the sport, including legends like Novak Djokovic, Andre Agassi, and Pete Sampras, as well as younger stars such as Jannik Sinner. These names represent excellence and consistency in the sport, and Draper’s addition to this list is a testament to his potential and promise as he continues to rise on the ATP circuit.
The significance of Draper’s Vienna win extends beyond rankings and titles; it signals the emergence of a new generation of British talent capable of making waves in the international tennis scene. Draper’s rapid ascent in the ATP rankings, his mental strength under pressure, and his dedication to the sport are setting him apart as a force to be reckoned with. With his ranking boost to world No. 15, he enters 2025 in a strong position, ready to take on bigger challenges and higher-ranked opponents.
As Draper prepares for the upcoming season, he does so with a renewed confidence and the weight of his Vienna victory behind him. This win not only cements his role as Britain’s leading player but also makes him a name to watch on the global stage. With his combination of power, mental toughness, and strategic insight, Draper has demonstrated he has the tools necessary to succeed at the highest level and potentially claim even bigger titles in the near future.