Jack Draper paid tribute to an “upcoming age” performance after he emphatically stormed to victory in the GDP Pariba open final at Indian Wells.
The British No. 1 drifted past Holger Rune in straight sets, 6-2 6-2, in just 68 minutes to secure a maiden ATP Masters 1000 title.
Draper started quickly and broke Rune in the opening match and did it again at his next attempt at the way to take the first set in half an hour. He was then a break at the first option again in set two as he rose to victory.
“I didn’t expect it at the beginning of the week,” draper told Sky Sports. “I had a rocky start to the year with an injury, so being in this position is now beyond words.
“I talk a lot to my coach about these later rounds in tournaments. I have lost matches in the past because I have been passive and have not taken it to the opponent and played on my terms and the game to win.
“To play as I did from the first ball, to look for my forhand, to earn good, it is a good, upcoming age for my game.”
With Victory, which is set to lift draper to a career high in the world arrangement on Monday, he added: “I want to deserve it in all honesty.
“The amount of hardship I have been through, the amount of victims, the amount of time that all people around me have put into me and the hard work.
“It’s an emotional feeling to know how much you’ve gone through and put in and be here now, to say I’m going to seven in the world. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.”
Draper continued: “I want to be a top player I will continue to improve, but I work hard and see what is coming because my dream is doing what I am doing.
“To play on the big scenes against the best players in the world, to have the opportunities I have. Winning these great tournaments is an added bonus.”
‘A day draper will remember forever’
Two-time Indian Wells finalist Tim Henman said Draper had delivered a “statement” victory that will live long in the memory of the British player.
“Completely radiant achievement,” Henman said Sky Sports Tennis. “It is built not only in this tournament, but in the last weeks, months and years.
“It’s been great to see Jack come out and deliver time and time again in the tournament, where he didn’t have the easiest move.
“He absolutely took Rune apart 6-2 6-2 to win his first Masters title, this is a day he will remember forever.”
Henman added: “When we saw the fight unfold, it was a lot of one -way traffic. The second set should be closer, we knew there would be a reaction, but Jack handled his feelings, gaming plan and strategy so well.
“Since he had none of the physical problems, he was then able to perform his game plan. To beat one like Rune in straight set is a big statement.”
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