“Jack Draper is showing his true colors” – Fans furious at Brit’s controversial behavior during Queen’s Club SF loss to Jiri Lehecka

On June 21, 2025, British No. 1 Jack Draper, ranked world No. 4, sparked outrage among some fans during his 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 loss to Jiri Lehecka in the Queen’s Club Championships semifinals, after smashing his racket against a sponsor’s electronic advertising board, per Daily Mail. The incident, which occurred after Lehecka’s stunning backhand winner broke Draper’s serve at 5-5 in the third set, saw the 23-year-old vent his frustration, wincing in pain and earning a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct from umpire Mohamed Lahyani, per Express. X posts, like @TennisFanaticUK, condemned Draper, stating, “Jack Draper is showing his true colors, smashing boards like that is unacceptable,” while @SportsRage123 labeled it “pathetic,” per.

Draper, battling tonsillitis and intense pressure as the home favorite, had fought back to level the match, but his 29 unforced errors, including a double fault at 5-5, and Lehecka’s 14 aces sealed his fate in the 2-hour, 7-minute clash, per ATP Tour. Some fans defended him, with @DraperSupport noting, “He’s human, under massive pressure and sick. Cut him some slack,” citing his physical struggles, per. Others, like @TennisCritic22, criticized his composure, arguing, “Top players don’t lose it like that,” per. Despite the controversy, Draper’s run secured a top-four Wimbledon seed, avoiding Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz until the semifinals, per LTA. Lehecka advances to face either Alcaraz or Roberto Bautista Agut in the final, per BBC Sport.