British tennis star Jack Draper made a statement this weekend, claiming his first ATP 500 title at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna with a 6-4, 7-5 win over Russian powerhouse Karen Khachanov. At just 22, Draper now has his sights set on challenging tennis heavyweights Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, as he continues his rapid rise with newfound confidence and a guaranteed spot in the top 15.
Draper’s dominant performance caps a breakout season that saw him rise to British No. 1, but the young star is clear that he’s just getting started. “I’m really happy with the way I’ve progressed this year,” Draper said. “Next season, I’m coming in with bigger motivation to really shake up those guys at the top of the game—the likes of Sinner and Alcaraz.” After enduring injury setbacks last year, Draper’s focus on fitness and consistency has fueled his remarkable ascent, allowing him to compete with—and now challenge—the ATP’s top-tier talent.
This week in Vienna, Draper showcased his strength by defeating some of the tour’s best, capping it off by holding off Khachanov’s attempted comeback in the second set. After surging to a 4-0 lead, Draper was forced to dig deep as Khachanov rallied to win five games in a row. However, Draper’s resilience was on full display as he regained control and closed out the match to secure his biggest title yet in just over an hour and a half.
“It feels incredible,” Draper shared. “I’ve played some amazing tennis, and that’s the main thing—keeping on improving.” Draper’s journey has been anything but smooth; his ranking took a hit after an injury last year, forcing him to battle his way back on the Challenger circuit. But Vienna’s title proves that Draper’s hard work and grit are paying off, positioning him to take on the best in the sport. “By having these types of results, I’ve got this inner belief now,” Draper said.
With plans to compete at the Paris Masters and aspirations for an even stronger 2025, Draper is looking to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner. As he steps into the ranks of Britain’s tennis legends like Andy Murray and Tim Henman, Draper’s star is shining brighter than ever, with fans eagerly awaiting his next challenge on the world stage.
