British No 1 Jack Draper simply ran out of gas as he was beaten in three sets by Andrey Rublev in the Qatar Open final.
Draper, seeking a third career ATP Tour title, gave Rublev as good as he got for two pulsating sets in Doha.
But it was the Russian world No 10 who had the extra gear in the final set to win 7-5, 6-7, 6-1.
‘He just outlasted me,’ admitted Draper, who was playing a third successive three-setter after marathon wins over Matteo Berrettini and Jiri Lehacka. ‘We have both played some really tough matches this week and he was just too strong for me in the third set.
‘But I’m really proud of my efforts this week so it’s a testament to my hard work.’
Draper, who reached the Australian Open fourth round in January, could not hide his disappointment at the trophy presentation but will be delighted to rise up to a career-high 12th in the world rankings.
British No 1 Jack Draper simply ran out of gas as he was beaten in three sets by Andrey Rublev
Despite loss, Draper (left) will be delighted to rise up to a career-high 12th in world rankings
It is Rublev’s second Qatar Open title after lifting the trophy in 2020.
He said: ‘We were both exhausted out there if I’m honest — I just think he was more tired by the end.’
However, there was British success in the men’s doubles final, as Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 victory against their fellow Britons, Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski.
