Jack Draper reacts to Carlos Alcaraz’s defeat at the Qatar Open and says whether he was surprised by the loss

Follow us on Google Discover

Jack Draper is through to the Qatar Open semi-finals but Carlos Alcaraz will not be his opponent.

The British number one is playing in his first tournament since the Australian Open, where he retired from his fourth round match against the Spaniard due to injury.

On Thursday he contested a thrilling three set battle with Matteo Berrettini and came from a set down to emerge victorious.

But when Jack Draper walks out for his semi-final, Alcaraz will not be on the other side of the net after he was defeated by World number 25 Jiri Lehecka.

Was Jack Draper surprised by Carlos Alcaraz’s Qatar Open defeat?

Both Draper and Carlos Alcaraz three set quarter-final matches at the Qatar Open, but with contrasting results.

Both players lost the first set, but Draper was able to complete a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 comeback against Berrettini, who knocked out Novak Djokovic.

Alcaraz meanwhile, fell behind against Lehecka, and though he sent the match into a decider, the Czech player raised his level and went on to defeat the World number three for the first time.

Following his victory, Draper was asked if Alcaraz losing was a shock, to which he replied: “I mean Jiri is having a great start to the season.

“Carlos, as incredible a champion as he is, there are so many great players on this tour, Jiri being one of them.

“He is confident and playing well, and anything can happen at this level. The margins are so small. It’s going to be a great match tomorrow and hopefully I can get through.”

Jack Draper comments on fitness and form after reaching the Qatar Open semi-finals

Draper has yet to lose a completed match in 2025 as he reached the last four in Qatar.

Injury ultimately ended Draper’s Australian Open campaign after three gruelling five-set matches, with a very limited offseason.

But following his run at Melbourne Park, Draper is back to full fitness and enjoyed multiple practice sessions, which have been paying off in Qatar.

“Australia I was very proud of my efforts. I got to the fourth round without playing any tennis in the off season. I went and I was barely playing points,” he said.

“I went back to training and I worked really hard with my coach and fitness trainer. I am just glad I am able to find a better level this week and get my confidence back.”