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Jack Draper slammed for what he did during his Queen’s semi-final loss to Jiri Lehecka and told he ‘should be fined’

Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
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Jack Draper has fallen just short of a Queen’s final appearance, having lost his semi-final clash with Jiri Lehecka.

Lehecka appreciated the Queen’s crowd despite playing against British number one Draper, who he beat 6-4, 4-6, 7-5.

The Czech ace earned a Queen’s final meeting with top seed Carlos Alcaraz, who beat fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut in their semi-final.

Jamie Murray isn’t worried about Draper at Wimbledon despite his exit, with the Grand Slam getting underway later this month.

He has already been handed a huge boost for the grass court tournament, with Draper set to be the fourth seed at Wimbledon.

Jiri Lehecka and Jack Draper shaking hands after the Queen's semi-final.
Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images for LTA

Jack Draper slammed for what he did during Queen’s loss to Jiri Lehecka

But it wasn’t all positivity around the ATP number six at Queen’s, with fans not happy after seeing him smash his racket into the advertising hoardings at 5-5 in the third set against Lehecka.

Reacting to the outburst, one disappointed tennis fan wrote on X: “Should be fined for the cost of the damage.”

READ MORE: John Lloyd pinpoints what the ‘real difference’ was between Jack Draper and Jiri Lehecka in the Queen’s semi-final

A second wrote: “Silly little boy so unprofessional,” with a third saying: “I’m sure Dunlop, who sponsor him, is utterly delighted.”

A fourth commented: “This is a default,” while a fifth wrote: “He’ll be in trouble doing that damage on court.”

Other tennis fans concurred, saying: “He better get fined for this. Frankly this should have been a default,” and “Heavy fine waiting for him I imagine.”

Jack Draper acknowledges racket smash but must avoid repeat at Wimbledon

Draper has enjoyed a rapid rise on the ATP Tour in recent times, once climbing as high as number four in the world rankings.

He can be hugely proud of his efforts at the age of 23, with his career honours list comprising three ATP titles.

READ MORE: Daniil Medvedev sends warning ahead of Wimbledon as he claims he’s really excited for it

Jiri Lehecka celebrates after defeating Jack Draper at Queen's.
Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images for LTA

And he is only going to get better and better, but his physical improvement must also be accompanied by mental improvement.

He has dealt with the pressure of his current situation very well, but it was certainly a bad look to smash his racket, particularly in such a manner.

Moreover, it came on home soil in front of his home fans, who won’t have exactly appreciated the outburst on court.

Draper will hopefully learn from the situation, particularly as Wimbledon approaches, where such actions likely will not be tolerated and could also prevent him from enjoying a lengthy run.

He is, however, certainly not the only player to have lost their cool this season, both across the men’s and women’s games.

YearTitlesTournaments
20251ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells (Outdoor/Hard)
20242Vienna (Indoor/Hard)
Stuttgart (Outdoor/Grass)
Jack Draper ATP titles

With the stakes so high and the margin for error so little, frustration and anger are understandable, but it does set a bad example for those watching on.

Fortunately he was quick to acknowledge his actions, with Draper saying afterwards: “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 [for] every ball. But in the end, anger just spilled over a little bit too much.”