On Friday, British tennis sensation Jack Draper, ranked as the top male player in the country, battled his way into the final of the Qatar Open. He delivered a thrilling comeback victory against Jiri Lehecka with scores of 3-6, 7-6 (2), 6-3.
Awaiting Draper in Saturday’s final is the formidable Andrey Rublev, the world No. 10. Rublev advanced after defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime in a competitive semifinal clash.
Lehecka, who had surprised many by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the previous round, grabbed the first set but couldn’t hold off Draper’s determined response.
In the previous photo, captured by Mohammed Dabbous for Anadolu via Getty Images, Draper is showcased as he gears up to contend for what could be his third ATP title in Saturday’s showdown.
During the match, Draper, a semifinalist at the 2024 US Open, seized an early advantage in the second by breaking Lehecka’s serve to go up 3-1. However, Lehecka clawed his way back to level the score at 3-3. The set proceeded neck and neck until Draper clinched it through a tense tiebreaker.
A crucial moment in the deciding set came when Lehecka’s double fault offered Draper an opportunity to break, an opening he seized with both hands. Overwhelmed, Lehecka vented his frustration by hurling his racket. Sensing the shift in momentum, Draper capitalized on his position and wrapped up the match after a grueling two hours and 23 minutes of play.
Reflecting on his performance, Draper commented, “In the first set, I played a bit carelessly. As the match progressed, I found my rhythm on his serve, and it became easier to hold mine while exerting more pressure on his.”
“My confidence grew as we played,” he added. “I’m really proud of how I competed out there.”
If Draper overcomes Rublev in the final, it will mark the third ATP title triumph of his promising career.
