New Delhi: Andrey Rublev exhibited admirable mental resolve to beat Jack Draper 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 on way to his second Qatar Open title in Doha, winning his third three-set match in as many days.
The Russian dropped the second set in all of those wins, having beaten Alex de Minaur and Felix Auger-Aliassime in his two previous clashes.
Rublev needed two hours and four minutes to overcome the challenge of Draper for his sixth ATP 500 title. Since the beginning of the 2023 season, he has 31 wins on the ATP tour to place him only behind Alex de Minaur (35) and Jannik Sinner (32).
“I was really good mentally and didn’t let frustration get over me. 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,” Rublev said.
‘It was difficult’
Rublev had first won in Doha in 2020 and his win on Saturday was his 17th title of his career. He completed his fourth wn over Draoer to improve to a 4-0 career head to head against him.
“It’s my first ever title that I won twice. 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,” Rublev said.
“I played at a good level. In some moments, I was really good mentally and didn’t let frustration get over me. 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.”
Despite his defeat, Draper is poised to improve to a career-high ranking of No. 12, when ATP release its latest rankings list.
“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,” Draper said.
Andrey Rublev defeated Jack Draper 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 to claim his second Qatar Open title in Doha, winning in two hours and four minutes. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
