Rublev drops Draper to win 2nd Doha trophy

Andrey Rublev drove home a 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 victory over Brit Jack Draper to win his second career title at the ATP Doha event on Saturday.

The champion who also took the honours here five years ago, now owns 17 career titles and has beaten Draper in all four of their matches.

The fifth seed had not won a Tour title since the Madrid Masters last May.

“It’s the first ever title I’ve won twice, I’m really happy,” Rublev said after his two-hour effort.

“Both of us were really tired after two three-set matches that finished late. We were exhausted and it was difficult.”

But it did not go totally his way: “When I lost the second set, I let it go and started to play more freely. I was really good mentally and didn’t let frustration get over me.

“I was able to restart and was able to play at the same intensity. That’s the most important thing.”

Draper will rise to 12th in the rankings on Monday 

While the first two sets were competitive, Draper’s fitness after several seasons of injuries made a difference in the deciding set with the Brit appearing to tire.

The finalist called his effort “an amazing week. Andrey was too good today. We played some tough matches this week and in the third set he was just a bit too strong for me.

“I’m really proud of my efforts this week. Every day, I wake up and try to improve, so it’s a testament to my hard work I suppose.”

Both players move onto next week’s 500 series in Dubai, with Rublev taking the third seeding to Draper’s seventh.

Main photo:-Andrey Rublev celebrates winning Doha Trophy – by ATPTour.com