ATP
Draper back in business at fourth in the world
Jack Draper will return to fourth in the ranking and take an elite Wimbledon seeding after reaching the Queen’s club semi-finals on Friday 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 over Brandon Nakashima.
The British No. 1 remains the last local standing at the pre-Wimbledon warmup but had to battle to achieve victory in just under two and a half hours.
Earlier, compatriot Jakob Fearnley was eliminated 7-5, 6-2 by Jiri Lehecka as the young Czech earned the 100th Tour win of his career.
Draper was far from pleased with his form but glad to get the job done on court against American Nakashima.
“This first semi-final at Queen’s means the world to me. I’m used to battling against the crowds.
“This is something I’ve wanted since I was a little kid. At times this week I’ve not played great tennis but I kept believing in myself and hope to carry on in the next round.”
By being seeded fourth when play begins on June 30 at the All England Club, Draper will avoid facing top names Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz until the semis.
Main photo: Jack Draper at Queens – by Mark Greenwood/Grandslamtennis