'I’d probably go on court with a broken leg': Jack Draper opens up on playing through tonsillitis ahead of Wimbledon

British tennis star Jack Draper revealed after his semi-final defeat at the Queen’s Club tournament that he had been battling tonsillitis throughout the week, a condition that made every match a physical and mental struggle.

Despite feeling unwell, Draper showed incredible determination and never once considered pulling out.

The revelation came during his post-match interview following a hard-fought loss to Jiri Lehecka. Draper admitted that the illness had been developing for several days before the tournament, yet he was determined to see it through.

The British star told reporters, "It had been developing over the week. I have been trying to recover and stuff, but the body, when you have something like that, doesn’t really want to play two hour 20 matches in the heat. You know, it’s probably not good for you, so you’re not going to feel better.".

His words stunned many fans who had no idea Draper was competing while feeling so unwell. He elaborated stating: "Yeah, I mean, today’s probably the worst I have felt. Did I think about withdrawing? No, not at all. I’m in the semi-finals at Queen’s. I’d probably go on court with a broken leg. I wouldn’t have pulled out for anything.".

Playing with tonsillitis took a clear toll on Draper’s energy levels, but his fighting spirit remained unbroken. Reflecting more on his seminfinal defeat he said, "I went out there, gave all I had, and I can be very proud of that. And also, it’s not an excuse. It’s just the way I feel, you know. I think I lost today because I lost to a better tennis player. He was better than me in the key moments. He served better. I think he was a bit braver at times. While I’m really, really proud of my efforts, but at the same time, obviously gutted with the loss.".

His frustration became apparent late in the match when, in a rare moment of visible anger, Draper slammed his racquet against an advertising hoarding, grazing his knee in the process. "I haven’t felt good all week," he admitted.

"I tried my best to psych myself up for each match, each point, but when you’re in that state, especially on grass against players who serve and volley with precision, a couple of loose points can quickly put you on the back foot.".

"When you’re in that state, especially on the grass court against these guys who are serving and playing like that, a couple of loose points here and there, you know you’re in big trouble.".

“I’m proud of the way I went about things, considering, you know, but it’s tough, because you’re in a position where you’re in a professional sport. You’re an entertainer, an athlete, and you have no choice. No one cares, you know. So you’ve just got to go out there and do the best you can. I’m proud of that. I gave myself a chance.”.