Furious Draper explodes in heartbreak Queen’s loss

Boilover Brit Jack Draper smashed a courtside electronic hoarding after losing serve in the closing stages of a 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 semi-final loss to Jiri lehecka on Saturday at Queen’s club.

The world No. 4 and second-seeded local was broken deep in the deciding third set as his 23-year-old Czech opponent secured a 6-5 lead with an untouchable winner to the corner.

Crowd favourite Draper drew a warning for his outburst as he went to the changeover, with Lehecka reaching his first final on grass a game later.

The East European had previously accounted for Briton Jakob Fearnley after putting out fifth seed Alex de Minaur.

He will play for the title on Sunday against the winner from holder Carlos Alcaraz and fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.

This win means a lot, you don’t beat a player like Jack every day,” Lehecka said. “He’s an amazing competitor.

The Czech congratulated the obviously partisan London crowd: “I know I was not your favourite today but you were very fair.

“I knew the transition from clay to grass is tough, so I’ve been working a lot on my serve.”

World No. 4 Draper was denied a place in his fourth final this season with the loss in just under two and a quarter hours.

Lehecka will play his fifth ATP final, becoming the first Czech man to reach a Tour-level grass final since Tomas Berdych at 2010 Wimbledon.

Main photo:- Jiri Lehecka celebates beating Jack Draper – by LTA/HSBC