British No. 1 Jack Draper’s spirited run at the Queen’s Club Championships came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday as he lost a closely contested semi-final to Czech star Jiri Lehecka, going down 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 in a dramatic three-set battle.
Draper, who has been dealing with a bout of tonsillitis throughout the week, showed immense courage and determination on court but ultimately fell short against an in-form Lehecka, who secured a historic final berth.
A Brave Performance Despite Illness
Revealing his illness after the match, Draper admitted he had been struggling physically throughout the tournament but refused to use it as an excuse.
“I haven’t felt good all week,” he shared. “But I’m proud of how I handled it. You’re in a professional sport—no one really cares if you’re sick, you just have to show up and give your all. And I did that.”
The 22-year-old confirmed that he was never going to consider pulling out: “I’d probably go on court with a broken leg. I wouldn’t have withdrawn for anything.”
Despite feeling at his worst on the day, Draper battled fiercely in front of the home crowd, pushing Lehecka to the very limit in a match full of intensity and momentum swings.
Lehecka Holds His Nerve
Lehecka, also 23, produced a composed and powerful display, serving up thunderous aces—some near 140mph—and keeping Draper under constant pressure. One poor service game early on cost Draper the first set, but he came storming back in the second with more aggression and cleaner hitting.
The third set was a nervy showdown, and although Draper appeared to gain the upper hand at moments, Lehecka was simply the better player in the big points.
“He was braver at times and served better when it mattered,” Draper conceded. “I lost to the better player today.”
Lehecka, who will now face defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in the final, becomes the first Czech player to reach the Queen’s Club final since Ivan Lendl in 1989.
Draper’s Passion Boils Over
The frustration of the match and his physical condition got the better of Draper late in the third set, as he smashed his racket against an advertising board after being broken—a moment he later acknowledged with regret.
“I don’t condone it, but that’s where I was mentally today. I was trying everything I could. The anger just spilled over,” he said.
What’s Next for Draper?
Despite the loss, Draper’s performance at Queen’s has guaranteed him a top-four seed heading into Wimbledon—his best-ever Grand Slam seeding—setting him up for a potentially deep run on the famous grass courts of SW19.
The home fans will be hoping he recovers fully and can carry this momentum into the prestigious tournament, which kicks off in just over a week.
Alcaraz Lurks, Doubles Drama Unfolds
Carlos Alcaraz, who awaits Lehecka in the final, looks in ominous form after dispatching Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 6-4. “Grass mode is activated,” declared the Spaniard, who is eyeing a third straight Wimbledon title.
Meanwhile, in the doubles competition, British hopes took a hit as Jacob Fearnley and Cameron Norrie were beaten by Croatia’s Nikola Mektic and New Zealand’s Michael Venus in straight sets. But there’s still hope for local fans as Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool face compatriot Henry Patten and Finland’s Harri Heliovaara for a place in the final.
