Jack Draper’s impressive journey at the Queen’s Club Championships 2025 concluded today as he was defeated by Jiri Lehecka in a tightly contested semi-final match. The Czech player emerged victorious with a 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 scoreline, bringing an end to Draper’s hopes of a home final. Despite the loss, Draper’s strong performance throughout the tournament has secured him a significant top-four seeding for Wimbledon.
The atmosphere on Andy Murray Arena was vibrant, with a supportive crowd, including prominent figures, rallying behind Draper. However, Lehecka initiated the match with notable aggression, securing an early break in the first set. The 23-year-old Czech consistently delivered powerful serves, making it challenging for Draper to find a rhythm.
Draper, also 23, displayed considerable resilience in the second set. After a close struggle where both players faced difficulty converting break point opportunities, the British player finally broke through, leveling the match at one set apiece. This shift in momentum energized the home supporters.
The deciding set proved to be a tense affair, with both competitors exchanging powerful shots. Lehecka, however, demonstrated greater composure during critical junctures. At 5-5, he secured a crucial break with a well-executed backhand winner, positioning himself for victory. Draper expressed his frustration by striking his racket, resulting in a code violation. Lehecka then successfully served out the match, securing his place in the Queen’s Club final after a contest lasting two hours and seven minutes.
While the defeat is a setback for Draper and British tennis fans, this tournament has undeniably been a success for the young player. His semi-final appearance marks his best performance at the Queen’s Club and, crucially, elevates his ranking to a career-high of World No. 4, guaranteeing him a top-four seeding at Wimbledon. This is a significant advantage as he approaches his home Grand Slam.
Lehecka, who previously overcame British player Jacob Fearnley in the quarter-finals and former top-10 player Alex de Minaur earlier in the event, will now compete against either Carlos Alcaraz or Roberto Bautista Agut in Sunday’s final. His victory makes him the first Czech finalist at Queen’s in 35 years.
Despite missing out on the final, Jack Draper can draw substantial confidence from his Queen’s Club campaign as he prepares for Wimbledon, where he is now positioned as a strong contender.
