Jack Draper celebrates new British No. 1 status with first ATP title, beating Matteo Berrettini in Stuttgart Open final
By James Hilsum
Updated 16/06/2024 at 16:55 GMT+1
Jack Draper achieved arguably the biggest milestone of his professional career after winning his first ATP Tour title in Stuttgart. He was made to work by former grand slam finalist Matteo Berrettini, but produced a performance of impressive maturity to mark becoming the new British No. 1 in style. He will now turn his focus to the start of the Queen's Club Championships, which start on Monday.
Highlights: Draper beats Berrettini for Stuttgart Open title glory
Video credit: SNTV
Jack Draper won his first ever ATP Tour title after claiming a hard-fought three-set victory over Matteo Berrettini in the Stuttgart Open final.
This continues a year of fine progress for the 22-year-old, who has now gone one better after tasting defeats in Sofia last year and in Adelaide earlier this year.
It marked a successful first outing on grass outside of the United Kingdom, ahead of taking over from Cameron Norrie as the British No. 1 on Monday – becoming the youngest player to do since Andy Murray in 2009.
Draper prevailed with a 3-6 7-6(5) 6-4 victory, overcoming the 2022 winner of this event in the final, and after dethroning last year’s winner, Frances Tiafoe, in the third round.
"It was a really tough match, but really happy to win my first title. It means so much to me," said Draper after the match.
"There were a lot of tough moments the last year or so, and it's been up and down, but I'm really, really glad with the way I played. I think it's a testament to the work I've been doing."
Berrettini began in swashbuckling style, breaking the young Brit in the fourth game to 15 with some commanding play from the baseline.
The soon-to-be British No. 1 was struggling to gain much momentum against the Italian, who sealed the opening set with an ace after a mere 31 minutes of play.
Draper responded well and showed few chinks in his armour as he held all of his early service games in the second set, but the former Italian No. 1 was not giving much away either.
It looked like momentum was finally shifting in the 22-year-old’s favour when a delicate forehand engineered a second set point, but Berrettini staved this off when his big hitting came to the fore once again.
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A beautiful backhand moved Draper 6-5 ahead to leave Berrettini serving to keep himself in the set, which he did, to set up a tense tie-break.
Draper had to come out on top, and levelled the final with a wonderful forehand-backhand combination, in what was an impressive show of bravery to keep himself in this final.
He would secure a crucial break of serve in the decider to move 4-3 ahead and go on to serve for the match.
The young Brit would do so with aplomb, sealing the deal thanks to an emphatic hold to love with an ace, capping off a memorable afternoon’s work.
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