Jack Draper delivered the performance of his career Sunday at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna, taking down Karen Khachanov 6-4, 7-5 to secure his first-ever ATP 500 title. At 22, Draper became the first player to win in Vienna on his tournament debut since Andy Murray did it in 2014, and the fourth Brit in history to capture this prestigious title.
“It feels incredible to win my first ATP 500 title,” Draper said on court after the match. “I’m so proud of myself and my team—all the hard work was for moments like this.”
Draper’s win came against a fierce opponent in Khachanov, who entered Vienna fresh off a title win at the Almaty Open and held a 2-1 head-to-head lead over the Brit. Draper started strong, closing out the first set without facing a break point. In the second, he stormed to a 4-0 lead, showing off what’s been called his “PlayStation” tennis—precise and almost effortless shotmaking. But as the match tightened, Khachanov fought back, leveling the set and showing why he’s been a rising force this season.
“Geez, I was playing so good, and then the momentum shifted,” Draper admitted. “Karen started swinging and picking up his level…he’s a fighter, and he’s in great form.”
In the end, Draper’s 32 winners, including 16 forehands, proved enough to shut down Khachanov. As the Russian’s final forehand sailed wide, Draper collapsed onto the court in disbelief, marking the biggest achievement of his young career.
This victory propels Draper to a new career-high ranking of world No. 15 and adds a second title to his 2024 season, following his win in Stuttgart. Draper joins British legends Greg Rusedski, Tim Henman, and Andy Murray as a champion in Vienna—a historic moment for British tennis fans and a sign of big things to come from this promising young talent.
