Jack Draper dominated Holger Rune 6-2, 6-2 within the Indian Wells last on Sunday, securing the most important title of his profession and breaking into the world’s prime 10 for the primary time.
The 23-year-old Draper has suffered a lingering hip problem this 12 months however regarded effective as he zipped across the court docket with ease Sunday, firing 21 winners to cap an outstanding week within the California desert.
Playing in his fourth Masters 1000 last, Rune had the good thing about expertise however may by no means discover his rhythm as he made seven winners towards 18 unforced errors.
“I lost first round here last year so I didn’t get to experience the tournament too much,” Draper mentioned. “I would say this is one of my favorite tournaments now.”
Playing in his first 1000-level last, Draper bludgeoned his opponent with seven aces within the first set, having hit a forehand winner to interrupt within the first recreation and outfoxed Rune on the internet within the third to go up one other break.
The Dane’s frustrations boiled over early within the second set, the place he shouted at his workforce earlier than dropping serve within the first recreation. He handed Draper one other break within the penultimate recreation with a backhand shot that he despatched broad.
Draper fired a booming forehand shot on match level and smiled in direction of the stands earlier than kneeling on the court docket together with his fists thrust into the air in celebration, clinching it in only one hour and 9 minutes.
“Before the match, you know, you’re thinking of all kinds of scenarios in your head, a lot of doubts,” he mentioned.
“And just what makes it even better is that, you know, just getting through those doubts and being able to play the final the way I did.”
Rune made no excuses for his efficiency, telling the gang: “It never feels nice not to be able to step over the line, but that’s life sometimes.”
Draper didn’t have a simple path to the ultimate, having to beat 2022 winner Taylor Fritz within the final 16, and needed to comprise his nerves after beating back-to-back defending champion Carlos Alcaraz within the semi-finals on Saturday evening.
“I felt a bit fatigued this morning from all of the emotions of yesterday. But I’m in a final, I have worked so hard to get here,” he mentioned after the match. “There isn’t any time to be drained. I’ve obtained to exit and go for it on each ball.
“And no matter how I’m feeling, just put my head down and fight for everything.”
He is the primary Briton to win the title since Cameron Norrie in 2021 and shall be ranked seventh now, after reaching the U.S. Open semi-final final 12 months.
“I have put in a lot of work over time and I’m so grateful to be out here, with my body healthy and feeling great in the mind,” Draper, who misplaced in final month’s Doha last, advised Sky Sports.
“It feels like it is all coming together on the big stage.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com