logo
Jack Draper's Queen's hopes dashed by big-serving Jiri Lehecka

Jack Draper's Queen's hopes dashed by big-serving Jiri Lehecka

It was a tough loss for Draper on home soil with the British number one angrily smashing his racket and damaging a digital advertising hoarding as the match slipped away.
But it has been a successful week for the 23-year-old, with his run to the last four earning him a top-four seeding at Wimbledon.
'It means a lot,' said Lehecka. 'You don't meet a player like Jack every day, he's an amazing competitor.'
One poor service game at the start, punctuated by two aces and a double fault on break point, ultimately cost Draper the first set.
He did not get a sniff on the Lehecka serve, with his fellow 23-year-old regularly sending down aces approaching 140mph.
Jiri Lehecka celebrates reaching the final (Adam Davy/PA)
In the second Draper began making inroads, a stunning flicked backhand cross-court winner helping bring up his first break points.
But Lehecka repelled all four to hold for 2-2, with Draper beginning to cut a frustrated figure on the baseline.
With singer Jon Bon Jovi watching from the posh seats, the tension was briefly lifted with a blast of his biggest hit 'Livin' on a Prayer' at the change over.
Draper re-emerged in a blaze of glory, an ace sealing a hold to love before a winner down the line levelled the match.
Jon Bon Jovi, top left, was in attendance for the semi-final (Adam Davy/PA)
Lehecka forced a break point at 4-4 but netted after a long, tense exchange and Draper survived.
However, Lehecka was looking the stronger and, after a comfortable hold, snatched the break for 6-5 with a stunning backhand winner.
Draper smashed his racket in anger, earning a code violation, before Lehecka finished the job to win in two hours and seven minutes, ensuring Britain's wait for a first Queen's winner since Andy Murray in 2016 goes on.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The Chase star Mark Labbett says 'it's an honour' 16 years after ITV show debut
The Chase star Mark Labbett says 'it's an honour' 16 years after ITV show debut

Edinburgh Live

time35 minutes ago

  • Edinburgh Live

The Chase star Mark Labbett says 'it's an honour' 16 years after ITV show debut

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The Chase's Mark Labbett was quick to issue a message to one of the celebrity guests during Saturday's show. During the episode, which originally aired last year, ITV viewers saw 'The Beast' go head to head with the likes of Raj Bisram, Danielle Harold, John Conteh and Roger Black, who were all competing to win money for their charity. With the Antiques Roadshow expert and EastEnders star successfully managing to make it back to the table with the money they had earned in their round, it was time for former British professional boxer John Conteh to face Mark. The 74-year-old answered three questions correctly, meaning he had earned a total of £3,000 to potentially bring back to the team. However, before facing Mark at the table, the quizzer had some kind words to say to the boxing champ. He said: 'Good evening, John. It's not often I say this, but it's an honour, sir, to meet you.' The audience gave a collective sound of admiration for Mark's remark as John thanked him. Bradley added: 'He loves his boxing!' Although the niceties were short-lived as Mark replied: 'Right, that's the last compliment you'll get.' Sadly, John didn't make it back to the table as Mark caught him at the table during his round. In the end, it was Raj, Danielle and Roger in the final Chase as they were playing to win a staggering £120,000 after Roger decided to go for Mark's high offer. Getting a three-step headstart, the team managed to answer 11 questions correctly, setting a target of 14 for the chaser to try and beat. With two minutes on the clock, Mark managed to catch the team with 47 seconds left on the clock to spare. Speaking about their performance, the quizzer, who has been part of the ITV show for 16 years, said: 'I'm sorry guys, the way they broke, either I knew them, or they were so tough you didn't stand a prayer at pushing me back.' Meanwhile, host Bradley Walsh said: 'We missed John Conteh, of course, you needed a full house, and we needed a bigger score on our side of that run, but that's just the way it is.' However, the ITV star informed the team that they won't be walking away empty handed as they'd each get £1,000 to give to their chosen charity. The Chase is available to watch on ITVX

Finn Russell says Andy Farrell helped put any tension with Johnny Sexton to bed
Finn Russell says Andy Farrell helped put any tension with Johnny Sexton to bed

Powys County Times

timean hour ago

  • Powys County Times

Finn Russell says Andy Farrell helped put any tension with Johnny Sexton to bed

Finn Russell has revealed that he buried the hatchet with Johnny Sexton with the help of Andy Farrell as the old foes join forces on the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia. Sexton has previously been critical of Russell, labelling him 'flashy' and a 'media darling', while adding he would choose Owen Farrell over him against the Wallabies because the former England captain is a 'Test match animal'. And in his autobiography, the Ireland great confessed that it 'kills me to this day' that he was overlooked in favour of Russell for the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa. Now the former fly-half rivals are working together to plot the downfall of Australia, with Sexton acting as the Lions kicking skills coach and Russell in pole position to take the playmaking duties in the Test series. When they first linked up after the players involved in the Gallagher Premiership and United Rugby Championship finals arrived into camp earlier this week, any acrimony quickly faded. 'It's just been bit of a craic. It was never a thing. When we came in, we had a laugh straight away and Andy kind of put it to bed so that was good,' Scotland international Russell said. 'Not that it was ever going to be an issue, I don't believe. We're all here with the same goal, which is to win the series. 'I've only been here a few days but it's been good working with Johnny. I'm happy to bounce questions off him and chat to him about what he's seeing. 'With the numbers we've had, he's had to jump in sometimes so it's been quite funny being on the same training side as him. 'It's good to have a guy with his experience here. I can chat to him and bounce things off him as and when I need. 'All the coaches seem open to conversations and chats. It's a good environment to be in.' Australia will be Russell's third expedition with the Lions, with all three set to be very different experiences. In 2017 in New Zealand he was part of the controversial 'Geography Six', a group of Scotland and Wales players who were called into Warren Gatland's squad not on merit but because of their close proximity while on summer tours. Four years later he travelled to South Africa where all matches were played behind closed doors due to the pandemic, denying the Lions their famed 'sea of red' support. The Bath ringmaster started the third Test against the Springbocks. 'New Zealand was still amazing because it was my first time being called up to the Lions,' Russell said. 'We weren't there for the whole tour, but to have gone to New Zealand and played was really cool for me. 'And then in 2021 it was special going the whole time, even though it was Covid. We couldn't have family and friends or fans at the game, but it was still amazing in a different way. 'In terms of the boys, we probably got to know each other a little bit better because it was just us in the hotel and whatnot. I'm looking forward to what this one's going to be like.'

Jack Draper's Queen's hopes dashed by big-serving Jiri Lehecka
Jack Draper's Queen's hopes dashed by big-serving Jiri Lehecka

Leader Live

time2 hours ago

  • Leader Live

Jack Draper's Queen's hopes dashed by big-serving Jiri Lehecka

Lehecka became the first Czech finalist since Ivan Lendl 35 years ago after a 6-4 4-6 7-5 victory. It was a tough loss for Draper on home soil with the British number one angrily smashing his racket and damaging a digital advertising hoarding as the match slipped away. Jack Draper loses out in a thrilling semi-final at the #HSBCChampionships #BackTheBrits 🇬🇧 | @QueensTennis — LTA (@the_LTA) June 21, 2025 But it has been a successful week for the 23-year-old, with his run to the last four earning him a top-four seeding at Wimbledon. 'It means a lot,' said Lehecka. 'You don't meet a player like Jack every day, he's an amazing competitor.' One poor service game at the start, punctuated by two aces and a double fault on break point, ultimately cost Draper the first set. He did not get a sniff on the Lehecka serve, with his fellow 23-year-old regularly sending down aces approaching 140mph. In the second Draper began making inroads, a stunning flicked backhand cross-court winner helping bring up his first break points. But Lehecka repelled all four to hold for 2-2, with Draper beginning to cut a frustrated figure on the baseline. With singer Jon Bon Jovi watching from the posh seats, the tension was briefly lifted with a blast of his biggest hit 'Livin' on a Prayer' at the change over. Draper re-emerged in a blaze of glory, an ace sealing a hold to love before a winner down the line levelled the match. Lehecka forced a break point at 4-4 but netted after a long, tense exchange and Draper survived. However, Lehecka was looking the stronger and, after a comfortable hold, snatched the break for 6-5 with a stunning backhand winner. Draper smashed his racket in anger, earning a code violation, before Lehecka finished the job to win in two hours and seven minutes, ensuring Britain's wait for a first Queen's winner since Andy Murray in 2016 goes on.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store