Draper dug deep impressively to level the match after dropping the first set, but Lehecka, regularly firing down serves touching 140mph, was stronger down the finishing straight.
The 23-year-old became the first Czech to reach the final at Queen’s since Ivan Lendl in 1990 after a 6-4 4-6 7-5 victory.
Lawrence Ostlere22 June 2025 12:50
How they got here: Lahecka sinks home hope Draper
“It was bit of everything, really,” Draper said. “The way I was sort of playing at times. Obviously the fact that I’ve worked so hard to get myself in that position. I really tried to get myself up, get the energy going.
“When you see that ball go past you on that point, you know, it’s very tough to see yourself breaking in the next game, although I tried my best on that.
“I don’t condone that behaviour, but at the same time, that’s kind of where I was at today.
“I was trying to use everything I could. I tried to compete every ball. But in the end, anger just spilled over a little bit too much.”
Lawrence Ostlere22 June 2025 12:44
How they got here: Lahecka sinks home hope Draper
The British number one smashed his racket, damaging a digital advertising hoarding and grazing his knee, as his semi-final against Jiri Lehecka slipped away from him.
Draper explained he was low on energy due to the illness and was getting angry in a bid to gee himself up.
But when world number 30 Lehecka fizzed a backhand past him to break for 6-5 in the deciding set, the 23-year-old exploded with rage.
Lawrence Ostlere22 June 2025 12:37
Carlos Alcaraz v Jiri Lehecka – Queen’s final live
Hello and welcome along to live coverage of the Queen’s Club final, as Carlos Alcaraz takes on Jiri Lehecka on Andy Murray Arena.
Lawrence Ostlere22 June 2025 12:29