Jack Draper reached the Queen’s Club semi-finals for the first time, but his run ended in a thrilling encounter against Jiri Lehecka.
Lehecka defeated the British No. 1 in a three-set match, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5, securing his place in Sunday’s final.
Lehecka will face either top seed Carlos Alcaraz or Roberto Bautista Agut. Draper, known for his slow starts, found Lehecka’s game too strong.
A double fault in the opening game gave Lehecka an early advantage, and his powerful serve proved decisive in the first set. Draper missed crucial opportunities, failing to convert four break points in the second set’s fourth game.
However, he battled back, breaking Lehecka at 5-4 to force a decider. The match remained tight, until Lehecka secured a crucial break at 5-5, after Draper’s frustration led to racquet damage.
Lehecka then served out the match, reaching his fifth ATP Tour final. This extends the wait for a British men’s singles champion at Queen’s, since Andy Murray’s last victory in 2016.
Despite the disappointment, Draper’s performance bodes well for Wimbledon. His semi-final run boosts his confidence and secures a top-four seeding, ensuring a favorable draw until at least the semi-finals.
While Lehecka’s serve dominated the first set, Draper’s impressive shots turned the tide in the second. A tense moment arose concerning a set-point winner’s placement, finally confirmed by the automated line call, igniting the crowd’s cheers.
The pressure shifted to Lehecka, but he handled it effectively, pushing Draper onto the defensive. A decisive backhand winner in the 11th game gave him the match-winning break.
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