LONDON — Rising British tennis star Jack Draper has opened up about his struggles with tonsillitis and expressed regret over his emotional outburst during his semifinal match at the 2025 Queen's Club Championships. The 23-year-old, who has been battling illness throughout the grass-court season, admitted that his frustration got the better of him in a tense clash against Czechia's Jiri Lehecka.
Draper's Health Struggles Impact Performance
Draper, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 21 earlier this year, revealed that he had been suffering from recurring tonsillitis in the lead-up to the tournament. "I've been dealing with this for weeks now," he confessed in his post-match press conference. "The fever comes and goes, and it's been tough to recover fully between matches."
The physical toll was evident during his semifinal, where Draper frequently applied ice to his neck during changeovers. Medical staff monitored his condition throughout the match, with the British No. 2 appearing visibly drained as the contest progressed. Despite this, he pushed Lehecka to three sets before ultimately falling 6-4, 3-6, 4-6.
Regret Over On-Court Outburst
The match's turning point came in the second set when Draper received a code violation for smashing his racket after a disputed line call. The incident escalated when he shouted at the chair umpire, drawing gasps from the traditionally reserved Queen's Club crowd.
"I completely lost my composure, and I'm deeply embarrassed by that," Draper admitted. "The Queen's Club means so much to me, and the fans have always been incredibly supportive. That wasn't the way I wanted to represent myself or my country."
Key moments that led to Draper's frustration:
- A controversial overrule on a Draper serve at 3-4 in the first set
- Multiple challenges going against the British player
- Visible discomfort from his tonsillitis symptoms
Medical Concerns Ahead of Wimbledon
With Wimbledon just two weeks away, Draper's health remains a major concern. His team confirmed he would undergo medical evaluation before deciding on his participation in next week's Eastbourne International.
Tennis medical expert Dr. Sarah Jenkins explained the challenges: "Recurrent tonsillitis can significantly impact an athlete's performance. The inflammation affects breathing, swallowing, and overall energy levels - all critical for tennis at this level."
Potential Treatment Options
Sources close to Draper's camp revealed they are considering several approaches:
- Immediate antibiotic treatment to control infection
- Possible tonsillectomy after Wimbledon
- Modified training schedule to conserve energy
Support From Peers and Fans
Despite the incident, Draper received support from fellow players. Andy Murray tweeted: "Every player has moments they regret. What matters is how you respond. Jack's got the talent and character to come back stronger."
Tournament director Luiz Carvalho also offered understanding: "We know Jack as one of the most respectful young players on tour. He's clearly been fighting through difficult circumstances this week."
Looking Ahead
Draper vowed to learn from the experience: "This has been a tough lesson, but I'll use it to grow. My focus now is getting healthy and preparing the best I can for Wimbledon."
The incident has sparked discussions about player health protocols in tennis, particularly regarding recurrent infections that can affect performance and emotional control. Many are calling for more comprehensive medical support during tournaments.
As Draper works to recover physically and mentally, the tennis world will be watching to see how one of Britain's most promising talents responds to this challenging chapter in his young career.