Deep in the second set of his Vienna Open final against Karen Khachanov on Sunday, the complexion of the contest had dramatically changed. For more than an hour, Draper was flawless, winners streaming from his racket as he methodically compiled a 6-4, 4-0 lead. But then he hit a wall. Five games later, Khachanov, tenacious as ever, stood two points from forcing a final set.
Down 4-5, 15-30, Draper landed a sliding lefty first serve out wide before forcing himself inside the baseline and ending an ultra-attacking point with a sweet angled crosscourt backhand winner. He then closed out one of the most significant service games of his career with more first serves and more relentless aggression, wrestling the contest back in his favour and winning his first ATP 500 title.
