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The No.5 seed sealed a 17th ATP Tour title, repeating his success of 2020, but had to resist a strong fightback from the hard-hitting Briton.

The Russian, though, kept his cool and fired 34 winners past his opponent to claim a first ATP Tour title since winning in Madrid last May.

“It feels amazing,” Rublev said.

“It’s my first ever title that I won twice. I’m really happy. I think both of us were really tired after two three-set matches that finished late. We were exhausted and it was difficult, but somehow we were able to play at a good level. When I lost the second set, I let it go and started to play more freely.

“I played at a good level. In some moments, I was really good mentally and didn't let frustration get over me. As soon as I was frustrated, I was able to restart again and I was able to play at the same intensity. That’s the most important thing.”

A run to the final in Doha ensured Draper will rise to a new career high of No.12 in the world rankings, so it wasn't all bad news for him.

“It’s been an amazing week,” Draper said. “Andrey was too good today.

"We played some tough matches this week and in the third set he was just a bit too strong for me. I’m really proud of my efforts this week. Every day, I wake up and try to improve, so it’s a testament to my hard work I suppose.”