British tennis player Jack Draper disclosed that he battled tonsillitis during his semi-final match against Jiri Lehecka at the Queen`s Club Championship, a match he ultimately lost.
Despite securing the fourth seed for Wimbledon through his strong performance at Queen`s, the British number one missed the chance to face Carlos Alcaraz in the final, falling to Lehecka in a three-set match (6-4, 4-6, 7-5).
Draper found out he had tonsillitis on Friday but stated he never contemplated withdrawing from the tournament.
Draper commented on his condition, saying he hadn`t felt well all week but was proud of his effort despite being in a professional sport where “no one cares.” He added, “You`ve just got to go out there and do the best you can. I`m proud of that. I gave myself a chance.”
He described the semi-final day as “probably the worst I`ve felt,” but insisted he wouldn`t have pulled out, stating, “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.” He clarified, “it`s not an excuse. It`s just the way I feel… 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.”
Lehecka won the first set 6-4, capitalizing on an early break point. Lehecka`s powerful serve, reaching speeds near 140mph, made it difficult for Draper to gain an advantage. Draper created opportunities in the second set, earning multiple break points, but initially failed to convert. The second set remained tight until Draper broke through, winning it 6-4 to level the match.
However, Lehecka secured a decisive break in the final set, closing out the victory 7-5 despite Draper showing frustration by breaking his racket.
Reflecting on the racket incident, Draper admitted, “I don`t condone that behaviour… anger just spilled over a little bit too much.”
Lehecka`s win ended Britain`s wait for a Queen`s champion since Andy Murray in 2016 and made Lehecka the first Czech finalist there in 35 years. Lehecka praised Draper as “an amazing competitor,” stating, “You don`t meet a player like Jack every day.”
In other tournament news, Carlos Alcaraz reached the Queen`s final by defeating Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 6-4, stating he felt his “grass mode is activated.” The doubles semi-finals saw British pair Jacob Fearnley and Cameron Norrie lose. However, Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool were set to compete in another semi-final, ensuring British interest in the doubles final.
Berlin Open: Sabalenka stunned by Vondrousova
Women`s world number 1 Aryna Sabalenka was upset by former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in straight sets (6-2, 6-4) in the Berlin Open semi-finals. Vondrousova controlled the match with strong serving on grass.
Vondrousova, playing in her first final since winning Wimbledon in 2023 after injury struggles, credited taking risks on the grass court. “I feel like on grass you have to take risks,” she said, adding, “I`m just so happy to be back healthy and so grateful to play these matches.”
Vondrousova was scheduled to face qualifier Wang Xinyu in the final, who defeated Liudmila Samsonova 6-4, 6-1.
Halle Open: Medvedev reaches final after battle
Daniil Medvedev reached his first final in 15 months at the Halle Open, overcoming German favourite Alexander Zverev in a nearly three-hour match (7-6(3), 6-7(1), 6-4). Medvedev required treatment for a nosebleed during the opening set.
Despite holding match points in the second set, he lost it in a tie-break but ultimately secured a crucial break in the third set and closed out the victory on his fifth match point.
