Jack Draper Reaches Prestigious Qatar Open Final with New Win
Locker Room
February 22, 2025
Jack Draper displayed extraordinary agility and determination to reach Saturday’s final in Doha.
Seemingly impossible dashes to the net to defy ominous drop shots were coupled with phenomenal serving. The Londoner could do no wrong once he really got started.
Make no mistake, his unsmiling opponent, Jiri Lehecka wanted this victory equally badly – and drew first blood.
But somehow the super Brit dispelled all fitness doubts to conjure a stunning comeback. And Jack’s amazing 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 win made us wonder what else he can achieve this year.
Jack Draper is on course for the top ten in time for Wimbledon 2025! And that would make the popular 23-year-old a true contender for the title itself.
In Qatar, Andrey Rublev will start as favourite in Saturday’s final. It hardly seems to matter with the summer grass in mind.
However that Doha showpiece unfolds, Draper can be more than satisfied with his work this week.
And the levels he reached against Lehecka will give him plenty of confidence going forward.
Fourteen aces and an 88 percent win rate on first serve provided an important cornerstone for his semi-final triumph.
But Draper’s superhuman court coverage seemed to unnerve the Czech, who must have thought he had the contest in the bag at one stage.
When Draper not only reached another deft drop shot but scooped it back over Jiri’s head with a killer lob, Jack tried to share a smile with his adversary.
Lehecka simply turned away in frustrated reflection. Perhaps that was quite literally the turning point in the psychological battle.
Jack Draper has all the talent to do well at Wimbledon 2025. Now he seems to have the fitness and mental strength too.
He said after beating Lehecka: ‘I felt more positive as the match went on. I’m proud of the way I competed out there.’
Will you visit the home of tennis to see how far Jack Draper can go at Wimbledon 2025?
The All England Club has a new home favourite. The atmosphere on Centre Court will be unforgettable.
Secure your seats with us – and then sit back and look forward to all the big occasion.