Andrey Rublev raised the trophy high as he celebrated his second Qatar ExxonMobil Open title after defeating Britain's Jack Draper with scores of 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 on Saturday. The match showcased not only Rublev's talent and determination but also his resilience against Draper, who posed significant challenges throughout the tournament.
The 27-year-old, currently ranked World No. 10, etched his name as the champion once more, having previously secured the same title back in 2020. "It feels amazing," Rublev expressed on court after the victory. "It's my first ever title I won twice." This accomplishment resonates deeply for Rublev, affirming his status as one of the sport's leading players.
The final unfolded with both players exhibiting remarkable skill; the opening set saw eleven consecutive holds of serve before Rublev managed to break Draper, capturing the first set 7-5. The second set mirrored this competitive intensity, with Draper making his move by gaining the only break at the 11th game, evening the match at one set apiece. Rublev reflected on this pivotal moment, acknowledging, "When I lost the second set, I let it go and started to play more freely." This adjustment proved key as he entered the third set.
Once the final set commenced, Rublev displayed renewed vigor, securing breaks early to lead 5-0. Though Draper managed to hold his serve at this point, it was evident the fatigue from previous matches weighed heavily on him. Rublev served out the championship with ease, ending the match with a love game to secure the title.
Reflecting on the overall match experience, Rublev remarked, "I think both of us were really tired after two three-set matches. We were exhausted and it was difficult, but somehow we were able to play at a good level." This sentiment echoed the challenging path both players took to reach the finals, epitomizing the sport's demanding nature.
For Draper, this loss marked another close encounter, yet he managed to extract positivity from the week’s experience. "It’s been an amazing week. I'm really proud of my efforts this week," he stated, acknowledging Rublev’s superiority on the day. Draper now sets his sight on future tournaments, having elevated his ATP ranking to No. 12—a new career high.
Rublev's victory at the Qatar Open not only adds to his tally of 17 ATP Tour titles but also highlights his ability to perform under pressure and endure the challenges of high-stakes matches. "I played at good level," Rublev commented on his mental fortitude during the game, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and not letting frustration take over. "I was able to restart again and I was able to play at the same intensity. That’s the most important thing."
Following the final, Rublev was presented with the coveted golden falcon trophy by Exxon Mobil Corporation Chairman and CEO Darren Woods, surrounded by dignitaries from the Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation. This moment underscored the significance of Rublev’s win, both as an individual athlete and as part of the wider sporting community.
Overall, Rublev's triumph at the Qatar Open is not just another addition to his accolades; it stands as a testimony to his growth as a player. With his recent success, Rublev aims to continue building on this momentum as he approaches future tournaments with confidence and ambition.