Draper’s hopes of reaching Queen’s final ended by Lehecka

Jack Draper’s hopes of winning Queen’s were ended by Jiri Lehecka when the British number one was beaten in a thrilling semi-final.

The 23-year-old had battled back from losing the first set to take the second and then went toe-to-toe with his Czech opponent in the third.

But Lehecka got a crucial break at 5-5, prompting Draper to smash his racquet into the advertising hoardings as he knew just how damaging that was to his dream of reaching the final.

And so it proved as Lehecka served to seal a 6-4 4-6 7-5 win in west London to advance to Sunday’s final, where he will face either top seed Carlos Alcaraz or Roberto Bautista Agut.

Draper had often started slowly at this tournament before getting into his groove and winning but in this instance he found Lehecka had too much for him.

He was broken in the opening game when a double fault gave Lehacka an early boost and the Czech used his big serve well to close out the first set.

Draper’s failure to take advantage of having four break points in the fourth game of the second set looked like being pivotal, but he dug deep to stay in the match before breaking Lehecka for the first time at 5-4 up to take things to a decider, where Lehecka came out on top.

While Draper will be disappointed not to have reached the final – something he had dreamed of as a child – he can be encouraged by his overall performance as Wimbledon approaches at the end of this month.

His run to the last four ensures he not only goes there in good confidence but as one of the top four seeds, ensuring he would avoid defending champion Alcaraz or world number one Jannik Sinner until at least the semi-finals.

Lehecka’s serve was a formidable weapon in the first set but the tide appeared to turn Draper’s way in the second as he started finding ways to beat his opponent with some fantastic shots.

There was a tense moment when Draper and the crowd were unsure whether a winner at set point had landed in before it was confirmed by the automated line call, prompting a roar from the British player and the Andy Murray Arena spectators.

Before Draper devotes all of his time to advancing beyond his previous best efforts at Wimbledon, where he will be regarded as the greatest British hope when the Grand Slam begins on June 30.

Although he has never advanced past the second round of the tournament, his current form suggests that this player has a good chance of succeeding.

Jamie Murray, a multi-Grand Slam winner and Queen’s tournament director, told BBC Sport, “He is an amazing competitor.”

He moves incredibly well despite being big. He has a left hand that, unlike right-handers, will not be able to use in defensive situations.

We are anticipating a fantastic Wimbledon for him because he is having an amazing year.