British number one Jack Draper has reached the Erste Bank Open final by beating Italian Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets in Vienna.
Seventh seed Draper, 22, broke sixth seed Musetti, also 22, five times in Austria to win 6-2, 6-4 and reach his first ATP 500 final.
Draper has won one ATP 250 title – the 2024 Stuttgart Open.
“I suppose it is my biggest final yet,” Draper said.
“I have been in 250 finals, Grand Slam semis, obviously a bigger match than tomorrow, but at the same time to be in the final of a 500 after all the work I put in this year and the season I have had, I am incredibly grateful.”
One difference between ATP 250 and ATP 500 titles is the amount of points a player earns for winning a tournament.
Victory over Musetti also moved Draper to world number 15, leapfrogging the Italian who sits in 16th.
Draper will play either Australia’s Alex de Minaur or Russian Karen Khachanov, who play later on Saturday, in Sunday’s final.
‘I’m proud I kept on fighting’ – Draper
Musetti struggled early on with his forehand shots not clinical and it led to three breaks of the Italian’s serve by Draper in the first set.
Knowing he needed to win the second set to remain in the semi-final, it was crucial Musetti held the opening game, which he did despite pressure from Draper.
But Draper managed to break Musetti in his second service game of the second set after an error-strewn performance. His frustration was clear as he threw his racket on the floor later in the set.
Musetti grew into the match and had three break points in the sixth game of the second set but Draper was able to save all three to hold.
On Draper’s next serve Musetti had another five break points and eventually the Italian turned the screw to the level the second set 4-4.
However, he could not compound the impressive break with unforced errors gifting Draper – who looked to be struggling – a break, and the Briton served out the match to secure the win.
The pair have played each other twice previously with Draper coming out the winner on both occasions.
Draper added: “The first set was really high-level from my side. Lorenzo is a really tough competitor – I have known him since I was really young and to play against him is always so difficult. He has had an incredible season.
“The second set was really up and down. There was some nerves and difficult moments but I am really proud of the way I just kept on fighting.”
