By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [8] def Jiri Lehecka 3-6 7-6(2) 6-3
- Draper v Andrey Rublev [5] | H2H: Rublev leads 3-0
DOHA, QATAR – Jack Draper edged past Jiri Lehecka to reach his fourth career final where he will face Andrey Rublev for the title in Doha.
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Jack Draper [8] def Jiri Lehecka 3-6 7-6(2) 6-3
Jack Draper is into his fourth career ATP final after the British number one defeated Jiri Lehecka in three sets. It was a match between two in-form players and it was Draper who made the more threatening start on return, testing Lehecka’s serve in the third game but the Czech Republican prevailed.
There was some confident and attacking patterns of play from both players as neither player was afraid to go to the net. Some remarkable shots were produced as Draper looked to take the ball early and create some tight angles in order to force errors from Lehecka’s game.
Despite nearly breaking again in the seventh game, it was actually Draper who conceded the first break of the match with Lehecka’s consistently aggressive returning paying off. After breaking for a 5-3 lead, Lehecka showed great character to fend off a break point from Draper and the Czech Republican converted his first set point to take the opening set in 42 minutes.
A disappointed Draper didn’t have time to feel sorry for himself as he produced an outstanding half-volley in the second set to continue to extract errors from Lehecka. Another break point went begging as Lehecka held in a long game but Draper wasn’t to be denied for long as he broke in the fourth game for a 3-1 lead.
The break lead didn’t last long though as Lehecka raised the intensity of his play while Draper produced careless unforced errors to conceded the break immediately. As the set went on, the match became more physical with long rallies being produced but both players continued to produce attacking serving. The shot-making was world class as the second set would be decided by a tiebreak.
After a decent start to the tiebreak, Lehecka faded in quite rapid circumstances as Draper produced incredible forehands and won seven of the nine points to level the match at one set all.
In the final set Draper maintained the pressure on Lehecka as both players were caught breathing heavily. Three break points were created by the eighth seed but none were taken as Lehecka was proving to be a tricky customer and the Czech Republican’s risky play under pressure was being rewarded.
Although Lehecka’s play under pressure was one of his strong points and the reason why he was still in this contest, that would ultimately prove to be his downfall. A double fault on break point down saw Draper finally rewarded for his persistent pressure as he broke for a 4-3 lead.
There was no stopping Draper from there as his incredible defence mixed with superior attacking play saw the Brit break for a second consecutive time and book his place into the Doha final.
Jack Draper [8] v Andrey Rublev [5] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [8] v Andrey Rublev [5] | H2H: Rublev leads 3-0 |
| ATP Doha 2025 | Doha, Qatar |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $277,715/$516,165 |
| Second on Center Court (Not before 15:00 GMT) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Draper will look to win his third career title when he takes on Andrey Rublev for the Doha title.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 16) | Andrey Rublev (WR 10) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | Champion (2020) |
| 1st Serve % | 59.8 | 61.8 |
| Service Games Won % | 84.4 | 86.1 |
| Break Points Saved % | 61 | 67.2 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.6 | 51.6 |
| Break Points Converted % | 41.3 | 36.3 |
Rublev has been more efficient on serve but Draper has been clinical on break points on return and that will be the key to success for the British number one.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
After a rocky start to the season, Rublev seems to have found his form in Doha and is now into the final after winning a last set tiebreak against Felix Auger-Aliassime. A title in Qatar would be a big boost for Rublev who is looking to boost his ranking back up and challenge for a place in the world’s top five.
Draper will need to take the ball as early as possible but will also look to add some variety in order to catch Rublev off guard. Meanwhile Rublev will use the backhand to dictate play and use angles to make Draper move around the court. This is Draper’s best chance of beating Rublev and will hope that his improved conditioning gives him a chance against a rejuvenated Rublev.
Prediction: Draper in three sets.
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