Unwell Draper loses but 'wouldn't have pulled out for anything'

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 while suffering from tonsillitis.

The 23-year-old, who lost 6-4 4-6 7-5, had been feeling unwell for a few days but said he "wouldn't have pulled out for anything" as he chased a childhood dream to reach the final on home soil.

Draper 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 chances.

And so it proved as Lehecka served out the victory in west London to advance to Sunday's final, where he will face either top seed Carlos Alcaraz or Roberto Bautista Agut.

He goes through to his fifth ATP Tour final but the wait continues for a first British singles champion since five-time winner Andy Murray's most recent victory in 2016.

Draper will now take a few days rest before resuming his preparations for Wimbledon, which starts on 30 June.

"Today's probably the worst I have felt," said Draper, who was diagnosed with tonsillitis on Friday.

"Did I think about withdrawing? No, not at all. 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."

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.

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.

The pressure then appeared to be on Lehecka but he handled it well, putting Draper on the defensive in the decider before a big backhand winner in the 11th game handed him the match-deciding break.

Draper now has some time off the court before he puts all his focus on going further than he has before at Wimbledon, where he will be seen as the great British hope in the men's draw.

He has never progressed beyond the second round of the tournament but his form so far this year suggests there is a strong possibility of going far this time.

"He is an amazing competitor," multi-Grand Slam-winning doubles player and Queen's tournament director Jamie Murray told BBC Sport.

"He is a big guy but moves incredibly well. He has that left hand that will help him in defensive situations that maybe right-handers don't have.

"He is having an amazing year and we are hoping he will have a great Wimbledon.

"He will be one of the favourites behind Sinner and Alcaraz."