Jack Draper’s hopes of becoming Britain’s next Queen’s Club champion were dashed in dramatic fashion, as the British number one fell to Jiri Lehecka in a tense semi-final. Draper, who had battled illness throughout the week, fought valiantly but ultimately lost 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 to the Czech world number 30. The result means the wait for a homegrown winner at Queen’s continues, with Andy Murray’s 2016 triumph still the most recent British success at the famous west London tournament.
A Week of Promise and Grit
Draper arrived at Queen’s as one of the nation’s brightest tennis hopes, buoyed by a recent surge in form and a career-high world ranking. The 23-year-old had impressed throughout the tournament, notching up gritty wins over Brandon Nakashima and Alexei Popyrin, and breezing past Jenson Brooksby in his opener. His run to the last four guaranteed him a top-four seeding at Wimbledon, a significant boost ahead of the grass-court Grand Slam.
However, Draper’s campaign was not without adversity. He revealed after the semi-final that he had been suffering from tonsillitis, with his condition peaking on the day of the match. “Today’s probably the worst I have felt,” Draper admitted. “Did I think about withdrawing? No, not at all. I’m in the semi-finals at Queen’s. I’d probably go on court with a broken leg. I wouldn’t have pulled out for anything”.
The Semi-Final: A Battle of Wills
The semi-final clash against Lehecka proved to be a test of both skill and resilience. Draper started nervously, dropping his opening service game with a double fault on break point. Lehecka, also 23, capitalised on the early advantage, his powerful serve regularly clocking near 140mph and giving Draper few opportunities to break back.
Despite a slow start, Draper found his rhythm in the second set. A stunning backhand cross-court winner brought up his first break points, and he eventually levelled the match with a winner down the line. The atmosphere inside the packed Andy Murray Arena was electric, with British fans willing Draper on and even a blast of Jon Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” briefly lifting the tension during a changeover.
The deciding set was a tense affair, with both players holding serve until 5-5. Lehecka then produced two brilliant passing shots to break Draper, who, in a moment of frustration, smashed his racket against the advertising hoardings. The outburst earned him a code violation and left him with a grazed knee, a physical mark of the emotional toll the match had taken.
Lehecka held his nerve to serve out the match, roaring in delight as he secured his first grass-court final and became the second Czech finalist at Queen’s in the Open Era. “It means a lot. You don’t beat a player like Jack every day; he’s an amazing competitor,” Lehecka said after the match.
Draper’s Perspective: No Regrets, Only Determination
Despite the heartbreak, Draper remained philosophical in defeat. He credited Lehecka’s bravery and serving prowess, admitting, “I lost today because I lost to a better tennis player. He was better than me in the key moments. He served better. I think he was a bit braver at times”.
Draper’s refusal to withdraw, even while battling illness, won him admiration from fans and pundits alike. His fighting spirit and commitment to the cause were clear, and his run to the semi-finals marked his best-ever result at an ATP event on home soil.
A Positive Outlook for Wimbledon
While Draper’s Queen’s campaign ended in disappointment, there are plenty of positives to take forward. His performances over the week have cemented his status as Britain’s top male player and a genuine contender on grass. As he prepares for Wimbledon, which begins on 30 June, Draper will look to recover fully from illness and build on the momentum gained at Queen’s.
The British crowds will no doubt continue to back him, hoping he can emulate the feats of Andy Murray and bring more glory to home soil. Draper’s top-four seeding at Wimbledon is a testament to his consistency and progress, and he will enter SW19 with renewed belief and valuable experience from his Queen’s run.
Britain’s Wait Continues
For British tennis fans, the wait for a Queen’s Club champion goes on. Andy Murray’s five titles remain the benchmark, and Draper’s near-miss serves as a reminder of the fine margins at the highest level. Yet, there is a sense of optimism around Draper’s future. At just 23, he has shown he can compete with the world’s best, even under difficult circumstances.
