Jack Draper makes tonsilitis revelation after crashing out in ‘tough’ Queen’s semi-final loss
Jack Draper suffered a shock loss to Jiri Lehecka in the semi-finals of the ATP 500 event at Queen’s, admitting that has been suffering from tonsillitis.
The Brit looked destined to make his first Queen’s final appearance after surviving multiple three-set battles throughout the week, but was edged out by the Czech 6-4, 4-6, 7-5.
By the stats, there was almost nothing between the two, with Draper conceding eight fewer unforced errors, but hitting seven fewer winners – converting on just one of his six break points.
“I lost to a better player today on the day,” recognised the British No 1.
“A couple of shots here and there, and at this level you obviously can’t do that. I felt like it was a solid week.
“I didn’t play my best tennis, but at the same time, the improvements since last year, you know, I gave myself a chance of being in the final tomorrow. Didn’t quite get over the line. That’s tennis really.
So I look to keep on improving from here to hopefully do better at Wimby.”
The Brit smashed a racket after being broken at 5-5 in the third, breaking the electronic sideboard in the process.
During his press conference, the world No 6 acknowledged his actions, but said that the racket smash simply summarised how he was feeling on court.
“A bit of everything, really. The way I sort of playing at times,” said the Brit, after being asked about why he was so frustrated during the semi-final.
“Obviously the fact that, you know, I have worked so hard to get myself in that position. You know, I really tried to get myself up, get the energy going.
“You know, when you see that ball go past you on that point, you know, it’s very tough to see yourself breaking the next game, although I tried my best on that.
“I don’t condone obviously 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 for every ball. But in the end, anger just spilled over a little bit too much.”
Previously in the week, the US Open semi-finalist had defeated Jenson Brooksby 6-3, 6-1, before toughing out three-set matches against Alexei Popyrin and Brandon Nakashima.
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Draper also appeared to be partially under the weather all week, something that was even clearer during his post-match press conferences.
“Been battling some — yeah, got tonsillitis. I haven’t felt good all week,” disclosed the British No 1.
“You know, I tried my best out there to get myself up for the matches and compete my hardest. I think part of that is my ups and downs in the matches. You know, I have been sort of trying to get myself up for each point.
“When you’re in that state, especially on the grass court against these guys who are serving and playing like that, a couple of loose points here and there, you know you’re in big trouble.
“I’m proud of the way I went about things, considering, you know, but it’s tough, because you’re in a position where you’re in a professional sport. You’re an entertainer, an athlete, and you have no choice. No one cares, you know.
“So you’ve just got to go out there and do the best you can. I’m proud of that. I gave myself a chance.”
The world No 6 later continued that he never thought about withdrawing from the tournament, despite the illness.
“I have been trying to recover and stuff, but the body, when you have something like that, doesn’t really want to play 2 hour 20 matches in the heat,” said the Brit.
“You know, it’s probably not good for you, so you’re not going to feel better.
“Yeah, I mean, today’s probably the worst I have felt. Did I think about withdrawing? No, not at all. I’m in the semifinals 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, you know. I think I lost today because I lost to a better tennis player.”
Draper has had disappointing results during his three appearances at Wimbledon, failing to win consecutive main draw matches. However, the Brit will enter the event as the fourth seed and has made the fourth round or further at the last three Grand Slams.
