Rublev outlasts Draper to take second Doha title

DOHA: Andrey Rublev fought off Jack Draper 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 on Saturday to win the Qatar Open. Rublev regained a title he previously won in 2020.

“It feels amazing,” said the Russian on court at the end. “It´s my first ever title that I won twice.” Both men had battled to the final with demanding victories in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.

“I think both of us were really tired after two three-set matches that finished late,” said Rublev. “We were exhausted and it was difficult, but somehow we were able to play at a good level.” After the first 11 games went with serve, Rublev broke the Briton to take the first set.

The second set followed a similar pattern with Draper gaining the only break in the 11th game before holding serve to level the match. “When I lost the second set, I let it go and started to play more freely,” said Rublev. The 27-year-old took control in the third set, breaking in the second and fourth games to lead 5-0. After Draper finally held, Rublev served out a love game to win the match in two hours and one minute. “I played at a good level,” said Rublev.

“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.”