An impressive set of results in Austria saw the Russian beat Alex de Minaur, Matteo Berrettini, and impressive rising American star Brandon Nakashima.

However, in the final, Jack Draper was more or less unplayable for large parts, ultimately snapping Khachanov’s eight game unbeaten streak.

An inspired comeback in the second set saw the Russian reel off five straight games to go 5-4 up. However, the Brit woke up from this lapse just in time to win the next three and secure his maiden ATP 500 title.

Karen Khachanov eyes up ‘revenge’ over Jack Draper

Sat just outside the top 20, Khachanov has managed to pick up two titles this year with his first coming in Qatar in February.

Not able to quite reach the heights of the last few years, Khachanov’s week in Vienna remains incredibly positive and cause for optimism.

Admitting Draper was just too good on the day, Khachanov said it was like playing a PlayStation, when referring to the Brit’s almost too polished display in the first set.

Speaking afterwards, the Russian sent Draper a classy message. “I want to congratulate Jack and his team for this win, you deserved that,” said Khachanov to the ATP. “You went for it the whole week. You are rising up this season and I wish you all the success in the future.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the court again and taking revenge for this loss,” he added, desperate for a rematch.

“Once you’re in the final, you’re thinking about winning it. But I can’t complain, the last two weeks have been great. Coming from winning last week and playing the final here in Vienna for the first time, I just want to thank my team.

“I was close to coming back, and that just shows you need to stay there, be positive and fight hard.”

A quick flight to Paris is next for both players, with the final Masters event of the year ready to cap off a busy year.

Who do Karen Khachanov and Jack Draper play at the Paris Masters?

A thrilling finale in the French capital will unfortunately not see defending champion Novak Djokovic take part.

A catalogue of Paris withdrawals also see Felix Auger-Aliassime drop out at the last minute, citing a back issue.

Khachanov however will be hoping to shake off the defeat in Vienna and continue his solid recent form as he kicks off against Pablo Carreno Busta.

Draper was originally scheduled to play early on Monday morning, but tournament organisers pushed his clash back.

A challenging draw for the Brit starts off with Jiri Lehecka, who Draper lost to in the Adelaide final earlier this year.

If he is to get through that, the tall task of Taylor Fritz awaits in round two.

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