Great Britain’s Jack Draper (left) lost to Russian Andrey Rublev in the final (Image: The Associated Press)
Jack Draper’s quest for triumph at the esteemed Qatar Open was thwarted as he lost a gripping three-set final against the world’s number 10, Andrey Rublev. The emerging British tennis talent put up a spirited fightback but ultimately fell to the tournament’s fifth seed 7-5, 5-7, 6-1.
Despite Draper’s valiant effort, it wasn’t enough in Doha where the 27-year-old Russian clinched his second title at the tournament.
Rublev told the ATP Tour’s official website: “It feels amazing. It’s my first ever title that I won twice. I’m really happy.
“I think both of us were really tired after two three-set matches that finished late. We were exhausted and it was difficult, but somehow we were able to play at a good level.
“When I lost the second set, I let it go and started to play more freely. I played at a good level. In some moments, I was really good mentally and didn’t let frustration get over me.
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“As soon as I was frustrated, I was able to restart again and I was able to play at the same intensity. That’s the most important thing.”
For Draper, only 23, consolation comes with achieving a major career milestone, as he is set to surge to a personal best in the world rankings.
The Brit will land the 12th spot in the upcoming rankings released on Monday. Post-match, he reflected with a sense of achievement: “It’s been an amazing week. Andrey was too good today.
“We played some tough matches this week and in the third set he was just a bit too strong for me.
“I’m really proud of my efforts this week. Every day, I wake up and try to improve, so it’s a testament to my hard work, I suppose.”
Rublev ultimately capitalised on Draper’s first double fault, securing the first set after converting his third set point. Despite having endured lengthy matches in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals, the British player rallied to claim the second set.
However, the Russian proved too formidable in the final set, breaking twice to surge into a 4-0 lead against a fatigued opponent before sealing the win.