LONDON — British tennis star Jack Draper’s dream of winning the Queen’s Club Championships came to an end in a gripping semi-final clash against Czech Republic’s Jiří Lehečka, despite battling through illness. The 22-year-old, who recently became the British No. 1, fought valiantly but ultimately fell 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-7(5) in a match that lasted over two hours.
Draper, visibly unwell throughout the match, refused to withdraw, later stating, "I wouldn’t have pulled out for anything. This tournament means so much to me, and I wanted to give everything I had." His determination was evident as he saved multiple match points in the second set before forcing a decider, but Lehečka’s relentless baseline game proved too much in the end.
A Gritty Performance Despite Illness
Draper, who had been in scintillating form all week, struggled with fatigue and dizziness from the outset. Despite this, he pushed Lehečka to the limit, showcasing the resilience that has defined his rapid rise in the ATP rankings. The left-hander’s powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes kept him competitive, but unforced errors at crucial moments cost him dearly.
Lehečka, the world No. 32, capitalized on Draper’s physical struggles, mixing up his game with drop shots and deep rallies to keep the Brit off balance. "I could see he wasn’t at his best, but Jack’s a fighter," Lehečka said post-match. "I had to stay focused and take my chances when they came."
Key Moments That Decided the Match
The match swung on several pivotal moments:
- Draper’s early break in the first set was immediately canceled out by Lehečka, who then secured a decisive break at 5-4.
- A tense second-set tiebreak saw Draper dominate, leveling the match with a series of blistering forehands.
- In the final-set tiebreak, Lehečka’s consistency and Draper’s fatigue proved the difference, with the Czech sealing victory on his third match point.
Draper’s Post-Match Reflections
Despite the loss, Draper remained proud of his effort. "It’s tough when you’re not feeling 100%, but I left everything out there," he said. "Jiří played a great match, and he deserved it. I’ll learn from this and come back stronger." His performance this week has solidified his status as one of Britain’s brightest tennis prospects.
What’s Next for Draper?
With Wimbledon just around the corner, Draper will hope to recover in time for the grass-court Grand Slam. His run at Queen’s has boosted his confidence, and he remains a dangerous floater in the draw. Meanwhile, Lehečka advances to his first ATP 500 final, where he will face either Tommy Paul or Lorenzo Musetti.
British fans will be eager to see Draper back in action soon. His fighting spirit and talent suggest that a maiden ATP title is not far away. As he put it himself: "This is just the beginning. I know my best tennis is ahead of me."