Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Draper beats Lehecka to reach Qatar Open final

Written by 
Published in Tennis
Friday, 21 February 2025 13:15

British number one Jack Draper reached the final of the Qatar Open with a 3-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 victory against Jiri Lehecka.

The Czech Republic's Lehecka took control of the opening set after breaking serve in the eighth game, before a more even second set went to a tie-break.

Draper - who defeated former Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini on Thursday - produced a near-flawless performance in the tie-break to send the match to a decider.

The final set went with serve until a double fault from Lehecka gifted the 23-year-old Briton a break, with the Czech throwing his racket to the floor in frustration.

Draper, whose recent injury problems have been well-documented, broke serve again with his second match point to give himself a chance of winning a third career title.

"I thought in the first set I put in a sloppy game," Draper said.

"I started to get a lead on his [Lehecka's] serve, holding easier and creating a lot of pressure behind his serve.

"I felt more positive as the match went on. I'm proud of the way I competed out there."

Draper, who reached the Australian Open fourth round in January, will meet Andrey Rublev in Saturday's final after the Russian defeated Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-5 4-6 7-6 (7-5).

An even contest came down to a thrilling deciding set, with world number 10 Rublev securing victory with his fourth match point.

"I feel that I'm playing better and better week by week, I'm improving," said Rublev, who has won all three previous meetings with Draper.

Read 16 times

Soccer

LAFC's Palencia faces probe over CCC incident

LAFC's Palencia faces probe over CCC incident

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsConcacaf has launched an investigation into an incident that occurr...

Premier League live blog: Liverpool host Newcastle on vital day in title race

Premier League live blog: Liverpool host Newcastle on vital day in title race

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsOn Wednesday, four Premier League matches could go some way to iron...

Slot given two-match ban after derby chaos

Slot given two-match ban after derby chaos

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLiverpool manager Arne Slot has been given a two-match touchline ba...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Wolves reach 2-yr. deal with Clark, to add Hyland

Wolves reach 2-yr. deal with Clark, to add Hyland

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Minnesota Timberwolves are shoring up their roster ahead of the...

Luka Dončić and a trade that could change NBA history

Luka Dončić and a trade that could change NBA history

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNICO HARRISON WORE the kind of suit no one could miss. Electric blu...

Baseball

Brewers' Bukauskas (lat) likely to miss season

Brewers' Bukauskas (lat) likely to miss season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPHOENIX -- Milwaukee Brewers pitcher J.B. Bukauskas is expected to...

Astros' Altuve set for spring training debut in LF

Astros' Altuve set for spring training debut in LF

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsHouston Astros star Jose Altuve will make his spring training debut...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated