LONDON — British tennis sensation Jack Draper's dream run at the Queen's Club Championships came to a heartbreaking end as he fell to Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka in a tense semi-final clash. The 22-year-old, who had been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, crumbled under pressure, losing 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-7(5) in a match that lasted over two hours.
Draper, who had defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the week, looked poised to reach his first ATP 500 final on home soil. However, Lehecka's relentless aggression and precision proved too much for the young Brit, who struggled with unforced errors at critical moments. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both players exchanging breaks and saving multiple match points before Lehecka finally sealed the victory.
A Fiery Battle of Nerves
The semi-final was a showcase of raw power and mental fortitude. Draper started strongly, breaking Lehecka early in the first set, but the Czech player quickly adjusted his game, targeting Draper's backhand and exploiting his occasional lapses in concentration. "I knew I had to stay aggressive," Lehecka said after the match. "Jack is an incredible player, especially on grass, so I couldn't let him dictate the points."
Key moments that turned the match:
- Draper's double fault at 4-4 in the first set, giving Lehecka the break
- A missed overhead smash by Draper at 5-5 in the second-set tiebreak
- Lehecka's clutch serving under pressure in the final set
Draper's Missed Opportunities
Despite the loss, Draper had his chances. He held two set points in the second-set tiebreak but failed to convert either, a moment that visibly rattled him. "I let it slip," Draper admitted in his post-match press conference. "Jiri played the big points better today. That's something I need to work on."
The statistics told a telling story:
- Draper won just 58% of points on his first serve (compared to Lehecka's 72%)
- The Brit converted only 2 of 7 break point opportunities
- Lehecka hit 12 aces to Draper's 7
Lehecka's Tactical Masterclass
The 22-year-old Czech player demonstrated why he's one of the most promising talents on tour, mixing up his game brilliantly:
- Used slice backhands to disrupt Draper's rhythm
- Approached the net 32 times, winning 24 of those points
- Maintained composure during Draper's momentum swings
"I've been working hard on my grass-court game," Lehecka told reporters. "To reach my first ATP final here at Queen's is amazing. I knew I had to stay calm against Jack because the crowd was incredible for him."
What This Means for Draper
Despite the disappointment, Draper's performance throughout the tournament has been a positive sign for British tennis. His victories over Alcaraz and former US Open champion Matteo Berrettini showed his potential to compete with the best on grass. "I'll learn from this," Draper said. "I'm still young and improving every day. This gives me confidence for Wimbledon."
Key takeaways for Draper:
- His powerful left-handed game is perfectly suited for grass
- Needs to improve consistency on second serve (won just 45% today)
- Must develop more variety to break down opponents like Lehecka
Looking Ahead
Lehecka will face either Tommy Paul or Lorenzo Musetti in Sunday's final, while Draper will turn his attention to Wimbledon preparations. The British No. 1 is expected to be seeded for the first time at SW19, a testament to his rapid rise in the rankings this season.
Tournament director Luiz Carvalho praised both players: "We witnessed an incredible match today. Jack showed why he's one of the most exciting young players in the world, and Jiri demonstrated the mental toughness of a champion."
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, British tennis fans will be hoping Draper can channel this disappointment into motivation for Wimbledon. For Lehecka, it's another step in his breakthrough season, having already reached the Australian Open quarterfinals earlier this year.
The match statistics highlight how close this encounter was:
- Total points won: Lehecka 108, Draper 104
- Winners: Lehecka 32, Draper 28
- Unforced errors: Lehecka 22, Draper 29
While Draper's Queen's campaign ends in disappointment, his performances this week have cemented his status as one of Britain's brightest tennis prospects. As he told reporters before leaving the court: "I'll be back stronger. This is just the beginning."