Despite Jack Draper’s defeat at Queen’s, Andy Murray’s former coach thinks there are plenty of positives for him to take from it.
The 23-year-old was roared on by his home fans as he tried to become the first British player since Andy Murray to lift the title.
But Jiri Lehecka had other ideas as he overcame the new world number four in three sets to reach the final.
Jack Draper is very disappointed with the result but ahead of Wimbledon, there is still plenty for him to be encouraged by.
Andy Murray’s former coach Leon Smith explains the positives from Jack Draper‘s loss at Queen’s
There was very little to separate Draper and Lehecka in their Queen’s Club Championships semi-final. The Czech player took the first before Draper was able to bounce back and send the match into a decider.
But the Brit’s serve was found wanting in the latter stages of set three, and Lehecka found the breakthrough in the 11th game before successfully serving for a 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 win.
Despite the disappointment Draper is feeling, Great Britain Davis Cup captain and Andy Murray’s former coach Leon Smith looks at the positives from Draper’s defeat.
“Queen’s is a tournament, along with Wimbledon he’s been watching since he was a young lad. Making a final here would’ve been huge for him. [Jiri] Lehecka played really well, Jack [Draper] had his moments as well, it was always going to be a tough match,” Smith said.
“These are two of the best younger players on the tour. You can understand Jack’s frustrations at the end, it’s a tough one to take for him.
“It’s a tough one to swallow for Jack, but the bottom line is he’s battled hard again this week. He didn’t come in ideal for him, had a bit of a fall, wasn’t feeling his best.
“But he battled through to the semi-finals, nailed down the number four ranking, although he played it down yesterday, it’s still important. He’s going in the right direction, so let’s not worry about Jack.”
Jack Draper provides health update after Queen’s semi-final defeat
Draper struggled at times to find his best tennis throughout this Queen’s campaign.
He had a quick transition to grass following his long and gruelling clay court season, but he battled hard throughout the tournament.
Draper revealed earlier in the tournament that he was battling illness, and he has since stated that he has been suffering from tonsillitis.
“I haven’t felt good all week,” Draper told reporters in his post-match press conference. “I’m proud of the way I went about things, considering, but it’s tough, because you’re in a position where you’re in a professional sport.
“Today’s probably the worst I’ve felt. 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.
“So I went out there, gave all I had, and I can be very proud of that. And also, it’s not an excuse. It’s just the way I feel.
“I lost today because I lost to a better tennis player. He was better than me in the key moments. He served better. I think he was a bit braver at times.”
