Andrey Rublev staged a spectacular display of skill and resilience as he claimed the title at the 2025 Qatar Open, marking his second triumph at this prestigious event. The fifth seed faced off against British tennis star Jack Draper on February 22 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, located in Doha, Qatar. The match was not just about the title but also illustrated the contrasting journeys of both players throughout the tournament.
The final concluded with Rublev securing the championship after a gripping three-set battle, where he edged out Draper with scores of 7-5, 5-7, and 6-1. This victory solidified Rublev's status as both a seasoned competitor and the seventh man to win multiple titles at the Qatar Open, following his original victory back in 2020.
Rublev's route to the final was anything but easy. He faced stiff competition before meeting Draper, including tackling Australia’s Alex de Minaur and Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime. The quarterfinal match against de Minaur was particularly dramatic; Rublev had to save multiple match points before finally clinching the win. He reflected on the grueling matches leading up to the final, saying, "When I lost the second set, I let it go and started to play more freely... I was able to play at the same intensity. That’s the most important thing." His experience shone through as he managed to control the game effectively, especially after the second set, which he lost to Draper.
Draper made headlines leading up to this championship match, having showcased impressive performances himself. The British No. 1 had to stage comebacks from set deficits against both Matteo Berrettini and Jiri Lehecka. Despite facing Rublev, whom he had never defeated prior to this encounter, Draper’s confidence grew as he reached the final by overcoming solid competitors. Draper commented before the match, "I’m definitely a different player since I last played him," indicating his readiness to tackle the challenge head-on.
The match's early stages revealed Rublev's determination as he struggled to fend off Draper's aggressive play, particularly against his serve, which had previously troubled his opponents throughout the week. The first set was tightly contested, but Rublev broke serve right at the end, winning 7-5. Draper, undeterred, rallied back, breaking Rublev's serve late in the second set to even the match at one set apiece.
Momentum swung dramatically during the final set. Rublev, perhaps inspired by the stakes of the match and the atmosphere filled with anticipation, dominated. He clicked back to form and quickly broke Draper, racing to an early lead. Draper fought valiantly but found himself overwhelmed by Rublev's pace and precision, which culminated in the match concluding 6-1.
This victory marks Rublev's 17th ATP Tour title and his first since winning the ATP Masters 1000 event in Madrid back in May 2024. "It feels amazing," Rublev said after lifting the trophy, reflecting on the significance of his victory at Doha, noting, "It's my first ever title I won twice. I'm really happy. This win also highlights his prowess at the ATP 500 level, where he has accumulated six titles, ranking him among the elite of active players.
Jack Draper, on the other hand, also has much to celebrate. Despite this loss, reaching the final assures him of climbing to No. 12 in the ATP rankings, marking his highest rank yet. His perseverance throughout the tournament and ability to bounce back from adversity have surely laid down the foundation for greater success. Draper indicated as much by stating, "I learned so much from this week. Despite falling short, I feel like I can build on this experience going forward." This attitude bodes well for the young player's future.
Both players exhibited exceptional sportsmanship and dedication, making the final of the Qatar Open one for the books. Looking forward, Rublev's focus will likely shift toward maintaining his resurgence, aiming higher within future tournaments. Meanwhile, Draper prepares to build on this challenging yet rewarding experience, as he looks to amass more titles and rise through the ranks.
Rublev's performance and composure, particularly throughout the tight moments of the match, are indicative of his growth as a player. He indicated his desire not to settle for just this win, emphasizing, "I hope it's not my best week ever," as he looks toward upcoming opportunities to compete and improve. The future certainly looks promising for both athletes as they continue to shape their careers on the ATP Tour.