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Andrey Rublev extended his dominance over Jack Draper in the Dubai final, securing a hard-fought 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 victory to claim his second career title at the Qatar Open. Entering the match with a 3-0 head-to-head record against the British No. 1, Rublev reaffirmed his superiority, despite Draper’s strong form in 2025.
Rublev overcomes Draper to win 17th ATP title
The 27-year-old Russian, who had a dramatic quarterfinal victory over Alex De Minaur after saving a match point, celebrated his 17th ATP title. Rublev’s win marks a milestone as it is his first time securing multiple titles at the same event, joining the list of seven players to have achieved this feat at Doha.
It feels amazing, I've never won the same title twice, so I'm really happy, Rublev said after the match.
His second title in Doha adds another impressive chapter to his career.
Rublev's victory also highlights a broader trend in 2025, with four men—including Rublev—saving match points on their way to securing titles this year. Alongside him are Alexandre Muller (Hong Kong), Joao Fonseca (Buenos Aires), and Miomire Kecmanovic (Delray Beach).
Draper falls short in his bid for a breakthrough win
Jack Draper, 23, entered the final with high hopes of becoming the youngest man to win the Doha title since Rublev’s triumph in 2020. Draper had been riding a nine-match winning streak in ATP 500 events, including his victory in Vienna last year.
The match began with evenly matched tennis, both players holding serve until Rublev seized the first set. Serving at 5-6, Draper faced pressure and couldn’t fend off the Russian's crucial forehand passing shot, which gave Rublev the set after Draper saved two set points.
Despite the setback, Draper showed resilience in the second set, pushing the match into a decider after breaking Rublev in the 11th game. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the final set, as Rublev regrouped, broke for a 2-0 lead, and never looked back.
Rublev’s resilience in the decider
Rublev’s dominant performance in the third set was a testament to his mental toughness.
Both of us we were kind of exhausted and it was difficult, Rublev reflected. When I lost the second set somehow I just let everything go, and I started to play much better, much more free.
Rublev increased the pressure on Draper with two breaks early in the third set, leaving his opponent with little chance to recover. A final backhand return that Draper mishit into the stands sealed the Russian's victory in just over two hours of play.
Rublev, already focused on future challenges, remains determined to continue improving.
I hope it's not my best week ever, he remarked,
noting that his mental strength and ability to stay composed under pressure were key to his success.
For Draper, the loss is a tough one, but his promising form suggests that more titles could be in his future.
