"It feels amazing. It’s the first time I’ve won the same title twice," Andrey Rublev said, beaming after his hard-fought 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 victory over Britain’s Jack Draper in the Qatar Open final on Saturday. I’m really happy. I don’t know what else to say.
It feels amazing. It’s the first time I’ve won the same title twice. I’m really happy. I don’t know what else to say.
Tested early, Rublev dominated late. The opening set remained on serve for 11 games, with both players holding comfortably before the Russian seized the crucial break to edge ahead. Draper, seeking his first win over Rublev in four attempts, fought back in the second, breaking at 6-5 to force a decider.
With momentum on his side, Draper looked poised to push further, but Rublev had other plans. The world No. 5 broke twice in quick succession, surging to a 5-0 lead. Draper managed to avoid a bagel, but Rublev’s powerful serving—two aces to finish—sealed his second Qatar Open title in commanding fashion.
I really like Jack as a person and I really like his game. He has a really, really great career and future ahead. He will win many great things.
Draper, who was bidding for his third ATP title following victories in Stuttgart and Vienna last year, had to settle for runner-up but will rise to a career-high No. 12 in the world rankings.
I want to congratulate Andrey. He was too good today. In the third set, he was a bit too strong for me.
British No1 on Sunday withdrawn from this year’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships owing to an issue with his right adductor, tournament organisers have confirmed.
An official statement from the tournament organising committee read: Unfortunately Jack Draper has had to withdraw from this year’s tournament. We were looking forward to him making his debut in Dubai. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him again in Dubai soon.
