By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [8] def Matteo Berrettini 4-6 6-4 6-3
- Draper v Jiri Lehecka | H2H: Tied at 1-1
DOHA, QATAR – Jack Draper battled past Matteo Berrettini in a brutal quarter-final win and will now face Jiri Lehecka in Doha.
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Jack Draper [8] def Matteo Berrettini 4-6 6-4 6-3
Jack Draper is into the semi-finals in Doha after a brutal three set victory over Matteo Berrettini. It was a tough match from the start as Draper applied pressure on Berrettini’s serve, hitting ridiculous forehand winners. The Italian matched him in that specific department as he saved two break points in the second game.
Both players served with confidence but both were also capable of engaging in long rallies as neither player gave up easily. Eventually though it was Berrettini who raised his level when necessary as some cheap mistakes from Draper allowed the Italian to break comfortably for a 4-3 lead. The serving was imperious from Berrettini as Draper was given very little time to play his free-flowing game but the British number one did well in order to force Berrettini to serve for the set.
Nerves got to Berrettini as the set was closer to reaching its conclusion and Draper capitalised as he crafted four break points in the tenth game. The Italian remained firm in his approach and was consistent off both wings as he produced some incredible shot-making in defensive positions. Eventually Berrettini would close out the set on his third set point to take the opening set in 49 minutes which would be followed by a significant roar.
There was work for Draper to do in the second set but the world number 16 did well to nullify Berrettini’s momentum, finding his first serve with ease. Some attacking play on the forehand side allowed Draper to control the tempo of the rallies as he once again created break point opportunities in the sixth game. Once again though Berrettini was able to find some clutch serving as he secured an important hold.
Towards the end of the second set, Berrettini threatened to break as he looked to seal the win in straight sets. The Brit remained firm though and Draper got to work on deconstructing the Berrettini serve in the tenth game in what was a dramatic game. The rallies got more physical as Draper took command, being more aggressive and testing Berrettini’s physical game. Although the Italian’s serving held up well, Draper eventually broke through on his fourth set point to level the match at one set all.
In the deciding set, Berrettini started to run out of energy and Draper took full advantage as he steamed to a 4-1 lead with some aggressive and attacking play. A limping Berrettini took one more desperate attempt to disrupt the Draper momentum but the Italian’s break point was saved with an ace as the British number one held for a 5-2 lead.
That was the fatal blow as Draper wrapped up a brutal win comfortably to book his place in the Doha semi-finals.
Jack Draper [8] v Jiri Lehecka H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [8] v Jiri Lehecka | H2H: Tied at 1-1 |
| ATP Doha 2025 | Doha, Qatar |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $148,005 |
| Fourth on Center Court (16:30 GMT) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Draper will take on a red-hot Jiri Lehecka in the semi-finals with Draper winning their most recent meeting at Paris-Bercy last year.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 16) | Jiri Lehecka (WR 25) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | Semi-Final (2023) |
| 1st Serve % | 59.6 | 61.5 |
| Service Games Won % | 84.2 | 87.1 |
| Break Points Saved % | 60.8 | 69.9 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.6 | 45.8 |
| Break Points Converted % | 42.1 | 36.9 |
Draper will look to continue being aggressive on return as he is taking on an efficient server in the form of Lehecka.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Lehecka is on red-hot form having already knocked Grigor Dimitrov and Carlos Alcaraz out of the tournament. The Czech Republican is one of the most aggressive and talented players on the tour as he can play any style of play. Now Lehecka looks to remain consistently healthy as he targets big things in 2025.
Draper will aim to be aggressive on return as he uses the forehand to create depth and errors from Lehecka’s game. The Czech Republican will use the serve to set the tempo of the contest as he aims to finish points off efficiently at the net. This should be one of the best matches of the tournament and Draper will need to work hard in order to throw Lehecka off his game in what could be another physical contest.
Prediction: Lehecka in three sets.
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