Home hero Jack Draper edges Brandon Nakashima in thriller, reaches Queen's Club semifinals

Jack Draper secured a hard-fought victory against American Brandon Nakashima with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 scoreline to advance to the semifinals of the Queen's Club Championships. The World No. 6 came into this match after a notable comeback against Alexei Popyrin, which was decided in a third-set tie-break in favor of the Brit.

Draper is playing his only grass-court tournament before Wimbledon, having a great week to fuel his hopes for the upcoming Grand Slam. The Brit has shown the high level he can display on the surface, securing his third consecutive win. His next challenge will be against Jiri Lehecka.

First Set: Draper breaks through in tight opener

The first set began with both players defending their serves, but Draper quickly created his first break opportunities. On his third chance, the Brit took the lead and then, with his serve, went up 3-1. Neither player was absolutely dominant on serve, as both faced several break points throughout the set.

In the sixth game, Draper had to save three break opportunities on his serve but managed to stay ahead. The pressure was on Nakashima at 3-5, where he had to save three set points, but he managed to stay in the game. Draper had the responsibility of closing the set and was down 0-40 before recovering to take the set 6-4 on his sixth set point.

Both were more than even on serve, though key moments made the difference. Draper saved 6/6 break points against him, while converting 1/8 of his opportunities, with a single break being enough to take the set after 56 minutes.

Second Set: Nakashima capitalizes late to force decider

In the second set, both stabilized their service numbers, with fewer long rallies and more security in holding serve from both sides. Draper saved a break point against him in the fourth game and stayed neck-and-neck with his opponent. Nakashima this time seemed to have a cool head and had no difficulties with either his first or second serve.

It seemed everything would be decided in a tie-break when Draper was serving at 5-6. However, he succumbed to the pressure of the moment, and after conceding a couple of opportunities to his opponent, Nakashima secured the break at the opportune moment to take a 7-5 lead.

Third Set: Draper finds breakthrough, seals semifinal spot

The third set saw tension build with some long rallies and both players getting good results on serve. Both players maintained parity, and first serves became increasingly effective, especially from Draper, who hit 9 aces in the set – compared to 5 total in the previous sets.

Around 3-3, the key moment of the match arrived when Nakashima started his service game with doubts, and Draper won a couple of good points from the return. The Brit secured a couple of break chances and then took the lead, setting himself on the path to victory. After that, Draper only had to hold his serve to close out the win, which he did without complications.

When Draper had the responsibility to close out the victory, he was down 15-40, facing two break opportunities for his opponent. However, he maintained his composure and ultimately sealed the 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 win. Draper advances to the semifinals of the Queen's Club Championships, where he will face Czech Jiri Lehecka.

Match Statistics Nakashima vs. Draper