British No.1 secures first ATP 500 title with victory in Vienna, setting sights on tennis elite

Jack Draper’s sensational year reached new heights this weekend as the 22-year-old claimed his first ATP 500 title, emerging victorious at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna. Draper, who defeated Russia’s Karen Khachanov 6-4, 7-5 in a gripping final, now aims to challenge tennis heavyweights Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, vowing to intensify the competition among the sport’s elite.

Draper’s victory marks his biggest career title to date, and he relished the hard-fought battle in Vienna that propelled him into the ATP’s top 15. Reflecting on his remarkable year, Draper expressed confidence and ambition for the season ahead. “I’m really happy with the way I’ve progressed this year,” he stated. The young Brit’s journey has been one of resilience and steady rise, with Draper already securing an ATP 250 title earlier this season at the Stuttgart Open.

The Vienna win also comes just a few weeks after his tough loss to world No.1 Sinner in the US Open semi-finals. But rather than a setback, that defeat has fuelled Draper’s drive. The British star’s next step is the Paris Masters, where he’ll compete against a stacked field in one of the year’s final major tournaments. After a break in the calendar, Draper plans to return in 2025 with heightened ambition, stating he’s keen to “shake up those guys at the top of the game,” referring to his close rivals, Sinner and Alcaraz.

For Draper, the Vienna title represents more than just another trophy—it’s a statement of intent. While Alcaraz and Sinner have claimed the spotlight as the future of men’s tennis, Draper’s recent success is establishing him as a serious contender. His powerful serve and resilient style make him a formidable opponent, and his recent matches have shown he’s capable of standing toe-to-toe with the game’s best.

“It has been a long year and it has taken a lot out of me,” Draper admitted. “I’ll focus on next week and then look forward to having a bit of time off, probably not thinking about tennis.” His journey has indeed been relentless, marked by notable victories and career-high performances, as Draper has climbed through the ATP ranks. As he nears the end of a breakout season, the British No.1 is prepared to rest, regroup, and then return with even greater resolve to challenge for top-tier titles.

With Draper on their heels, both Alcaraz and Sinner may soon find the competition tighter than ever. Draper’s steady rise is a signal to the tennis world: his sights are set on the highest peaks, and his determination to elevate his game shows no sign of slowing.