Carlos Alcaraz vs Roberto Bautista Agut live: Queen’s tennis scores and results after Draper crashes out

Jack Draper‘s dreams of a home final came to an end at the hands of fellow rising star Jiri Lehecka as the big-serving Czech stormed to victory semi-final victory at Queen’s Club.

Lehecka became the first Czech finalist since Ivan Lendl 35 years ago after a 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 victory, a tough loss for Draper on home soil as he angrily smashed his racket, damaging a digital advertising hoarding as the match slipped away.

It was nevertheless a successful tournament for the British No 1, whose run to the last four guaranteed him a top four seeding at Wimbledon, meaning he’ll avoid playing big guns Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner until at least the semi-finals at SW19.

Talking of Alcaraz, the Queen’s top seed booked his place in the final at Queen’s as he dispatched compatriot Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 6-4 in the second semi-final of the day.

Follow the action from Queen’s Club with The Independent

Read More

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Queen's semi-finals - live updates

• The action at Queen's Club has reached the semi-final stage with Jack Draper and Carlos Alcaraz both on court
• GAME, SET & MATCH! Draper's dream of a home final ends as rising star Jiri Lehecka wins 6-4, 4-6, 7-5
• GAME, SET & MATCH! Alcaraz dispatches Robero Bautista Agut 6-4, 6-4 to book place in final

Top seed proving his status

18:00 , Will Castle

There is just no beating this Carlos Alcaraz.

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images for LTA)

(Getty Images)

Carlos Alcaraz: 'Glass court mode is activated'

17:45 , Will Castle

“I feel I’m playing great tennis, feel very comfortable,” Alcaraz said. “Making the final at Queen’s is so special, so I guess grass court mode is activated.”

“I’m playing my best tennis, I’m having fun and that’s why I’m getting good results.

“When I step on the court and hear my name, the crowd are screaming. Thank you for the support and energy that you bring to me on the court.”

GAME, SET & MATCH! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 6-4 Roberto Bautista Agut

17:39 , Will Castle

CARLOS ALCARAZ BOOKS HIS PLACE IN THE FINAL AT QUEEN’S!

It wasn’t simple, losing the first point before botching what looked like a easy shot from close range.

But with the score at 40-30, a point-perfect cross-court forehand finds the line, sealing the win and downing Roberto Bautista Agut!

Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 5-4 Roberto Bautista Agut*

17:33 , Will Castle

Bautista Agut may have just missed his big chance to save this, but he hasn’t let his head drop.

A convincing service game - bar one double fault - sees him hold and at least force Alcaraz to serve for the match.

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 5-3 Roberto Bautista Agut

17:31 , Will Castle

An Alcaraz wobble? He misjudges an awkward shot at the baseline before fluffing a volley into the net, but he goes level as Bautista Agut goes long.

Struggling on his first serve, a rally ensues that Bautista Agut comes out on top of in, with Alcaraz netting again.

They both trade marginally long shots, putting Bautista Agut on break point. This could be his chance for a comeback!

The veteran stays on the offensive as Alcaraz is forced into the corner, but it’s an unforced error at the key moment for Bautista Agut, who is pegged back to deuce!

Block return from Alcaraz at the net gives him the advantage, before making no mistake to secure a crucial hold.

Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 4-3 Roberto Bautista Agut*

17:23 , Will Castle

Alcaraz is closing in on a Queen’s final. It’s stunning stuff as he holds to love.

Things aren’t as simple for Bautista Agut, who goes wide to give Alcaraz a sniff of back-to-back breaks.

However, a lovely passing shot puts the veteran Spaniard at game point before Alcaraz goes long unforced to allow Bautista Agut to hold.

BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 3-2 Roberto Bautista Agut*

17:17 , Will Castle

Alcaraz storms into a 0-30 lead on defence and is staring down what could be a match-winning break of serve.

Bautista Agut brings it back but the excellence of Alcaraz, whose fantastic forehand unlocks the crucial break!

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 2-2 Roberto Bautista Agut

17:15 , Will Castle

“Does Carlos Alcaraz get bored and let his mind wander?” asks the commentator.

No, of course not. Another supremely convincing hold.

Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 1-2 Roberto Bautista Agut*

17:08 , Will Castle

Alcaraz looks on course for a break as he sits 30-40 up on defence.

But once more, Bautista Agut shows his resilience and bravery. A deft drop shot forces deuce before a massive passing forehand puts him within a point of holding.

Alcaraz thwarts him in that pursuit to bring it back to deuce - and despite two consecutive Alcaraz shots ricocheting over off the net cord, Bautista Agut keeps a level head and places it out of reach to regain the advantage.

This time, he makes no mistake. An impressive hold.

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 1-1 Roberto Bautista Agut

17:03 , Will Castle

This is nearly as good as it gets from Alcaraz in terms of technique.

A comfortable hold for the top seed, seeing out his service game with a simple volley close to the net after forcing Bautista Agut wide.

Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 0-1 Roberto Bautista Agut*

16:59 , Will Castle

Just like he did in the first set, Alcaraz seeks an early break in the second with Bautista Agut on serve.

He puts his compatriot under serious pressure but Bautista Agut responds well, with a lovely cross-court backhand putting him 40-30 up.

Despite being forced to deuce, Bautista Agut stays resilient and sees out a great hold.

SET! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 Roberto Bautista Agut

16:53 , Will Castle

Alcaraz is in his mojo and much of the crowd think he’s just put himself in the position of three set points as he belts a stunning passing shot down the line - only for it to be deemed just out.

Does that near-miss shake him? Of course not.

He responds with an ace before lifting a ridiculous dink over the net on the stretch to take the set!

Exhibition stuff from the top seed.

Carlos Alcaraz 5-4 Roberto Bautista Agut*

16:47 , Will Castle

Not much, if anything, is getting through Alcaraz at the moment when the top seed is on serve. Another good hold.

But on defence, Alcaraz is discovering that Bautista Agut has found his rhythm. He’s only able to pick up a point via an unforced error as the 37-year-old’s serving proves superior, holding to 15.

Alcaraz now serves for the set.

Carlos Alcaraz 4-3 Roberto Bautista Agut*

16:42 , Will Castle

Alcaraz produces the most straightforward service game of the match so far as he cruises to a simple hold to 15.

Things are far from as comfortable for Bautista Agut, who is forced to deuce and has to engage in a bit of cat and mouse to overcome the top seed. He too eventually holds.

Carlos Alcaraz 3-2 Roberto Bautista Agut*

16:33 , Will Castle

Alcaraz threatens to break again as his return proves too much for Bautista Agut, launching a belter of a backhand immediately from serve.

However, the 37-year-old stays firm and allows Alcaraz to botch a lob, holding to 30.

Carlos Alcaraz 3-1 Roberto Bautista Agut*

16:28 , Will Castle

Audible frustration from Bautista Agut who does well to force deuce in response to the early break, but gives Alcaraz the advantage after failing to return his serve.

A thunderous second serve then ensures Alcaraz a good hold.

BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 2-1 Roberto Bautista Agut*

16:24 , Will Castle

Phenomenal movement from Alcaraz to always stay on the offensive, storming into a 0-40 lead.

Bautista Agut works it well to reduce the deficit as he tries to spark a comeback - but a wonderful drop shot from Alcaraz sees the Spaniard off and secures the break!

*Carlos Alcaraz 1-1 Roberto Bautista Agut

16:21 , Will Castle

Bautista Agut looks to put pressure on serving Alcaraz as he fashions an opportunity to draw level, but he botches a finishing volley and gives the top seed daylight.

In the end, a simple hold to 15.

Carlos Alcaraz 0-1 Roberto Bautista Agut*

16:16 , Will Castle

Tightly fought first game as Alcaraz quickly demonstrates that he is indeed in the mood, firing two wonderful passing shots to take a 15-30 leads.

Bautista Agut responds with a big serve that goes unreturned before the two Spaniards engage in an entertaining rally - Bautista Agut strikes the net cord but Alcaraz is able to get to the net to respond, only to be lobbed and find himself in the retreat. A shot through the legs follows, which does stay in play but is smashed into the corner by Bautista Agut.

Alcaraz fights back to force deuce. Bautista Agut saves two break points, playing really nicely into the corners to eventually hold.

Carlos Alcaraz 0-0 Roberto Bautista Agut*

16:09 , Will Castle

We’re off and running in our second semi-final!

*denotes server

Here comes our second semi-final!

16:04 , Will Castle

After a delay, Carlos Alcaraz and Roberto Bautista Agut have taken to the Andy Murray Arena for today’s second semi-final at Queen’s!

Final warm-ups are underway - stay tuned!

Report: Jack Draper’s hopes of home final dashed by big-serving Jiri Lehecka at Queen’s

15:52 , Will Castle

Jack Draper failed in his bid to be crowned the new British king of Queen's Club after a three-set defeat by Jiri Lehecka in the semi-final.

Lehecka became the first Czech finalist since Ivan Lendl 35 years ago after a 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 victory.

It was a tough loss for Draper on home soil with the British number one angrily smashing his racket and damaging a digital advertising hoarding as the match slipped away.

But it has been a successful week for the 23-year-old, with his run to the last four earning him a top-four seeding at Wimbledon.

Read more:

Jack Draper’s hopes of home final dashed by big-serving Jiri Lehecka at Queen’s

Carlos Alcaraz vs Roberto Bautista Agut delayed by rain

15:42 , Will Castle

Slight delay ahead of Alcaraz vs Bautista Agut due to what we hope is a passing shower.

It’s not been heavy enough to force the covers out and we’re hearing that the players are likely to hit the court for around 4pm.

Jack Draper loses his head as home final dream ends

15:31 , Will Castle

Draper was lucky to escape a penalty point for smashing his racket against the advertising board, breaking both in the process.

If nothing else shows just how much he wanted this...

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

'What a match': Jiri Lehecka books place in Queen's final

15:25 , Will Castle

“It means a lot, you don’t meet a player like Jack everyday, what a competitor,” Lehecka says, giving his flowers to the British No 1.

He also writes “what a match, battle” on the camera. Oh, it was.

GAME, SET & MATCH! Jack Draper 4-6, 6-4, 5-7 Jiri Lehecka*

15:21 , Will Castle

With a bloodied knee, Draper responds to an unreturned first serve by capitalising on an imperfect drop shot by Lehecka, forcing an error to go to 15-15.

He then reads the play but gets a backhand all wrong, wildly sending it wide. But the Brit is fighting and keeps the next point alive for Lehecka to commit an unforced error.

At 30-30, the pressure is on the Czech to get over the line. But just like he’s done all tournament, he launches two mammoth serves to no return - AND LEHECKA BOOKS HIS PLACE IN THE FINAL!

No home final for Draper. What a performance by Lehecka.

BREAK! *Jack Draper 4-6, 6-4, 5-6 Jiri Lehecka

15:15 , Will Castle

Draper is back in trouble on serve as two shots go long, giving Lehecka a 0-30 lead.

He has to be brave on the next point to thwart the resilient Czech smashing a backhand down the line to finally force an error.

But you just have to applaud Lehecka as a wonderful passing forehand gives him two break points.

And he only needs the one! Another perfectly-placed cross-court backhand beats Draper, who crashes against the advertising board and breaks his racket in the process.

An excellent game by Lehecka, who gets the all important break. He serves for a place in the final.

Jack Draper 4-6, 6-4, 5-5 Jiri Lehecka*

15:10 , Will Castle

Lehecka has to hold to keep his hopes of a Queen’s final alive.

A thunderous first serve sets the tone, but Draper keeps the next point alive as he sprints onto a volley before unleashing a cross-court passing forehand. Not to be as it lands just out.

Two more wayward shots from Draper allows Lehecka to hold to love. Pressure back on Jack.

*Jack Draper 4-6, 6-4, 5-4 Jiri Lehecka

15:07 , Will Castle

Palms are beginning to sweat at the Andy Murray Arena as Draper fails to lift a drop shot over the net, before fluffing a volley from short range.

At 15-30, he doesn’t get his first serve in - but a superb second beats Lehecka, evoking a big reaction from the Brit.

Lehecka is nevertheless able to win the next and earn a break point. An overtly tense rally ensues as the Czech continues to go deep, but an unforced error allows Draper to survive and force deuce.

Once again, he has to rely on the strength on his second serve to get over the line and deliver a crucial hold. Nail-biting stuff!

Jack Draper 4-6, 6-4, 4-4 Jiri Lehecka*

15:02 , Will Castle

After bombing an ace, Lehecka gives Draper an opening after failing to get his first serve in - but the Brit is unable to capitalise in open play, dragging a backhand wide.

Lehecka goes 40-0 up but has a little wobble as he falls foul of a double fault. He makes no mistake with his next serve though and aces to hold to 15.

*Jack Draper 4-6, 6-4, 4-3 Jiri Lehecka

14:58 , Will Castle

Perfect placement on serve from Draper as he drills one straight down the middle of the line.

Lehecka fights back and fires a nice passing forehand past the Brit to give him something to think about, but Draper stays firm, reading the Czech’s next return to volley at the net.

No real worries and Draper holds.

Jack Draper 4-6, 6-4, 3-3 Jiri Lehecka*

14:56 , Will Castle

Another strong service game from Lehecka as Draper is unable to return three of his first serves, cruising to a simple hold.

Jack Draper 4-6, 6-4, 3-2 Jiri Lehecka*

14:49 , Luke Baker

Is there a spot of rain in the air? It’s certainly got a bit gloomier at Queen’s but let’s hope not.

Draper doesn’t want to hang about, he’s banging down big serves and powerful groundstrokes and claims another hold to 15.

*Jack Draper 4-6, 6-4, 2-2 Jiri Lehecka

14:48 , Luke Baker

To his credit, Lehecka is hanging in nicely here. Looks under a bit of pressure at 15-15 but knuckles down and completes the relatively simple hold.

Jack Draper 4-6, 6-4, 2-1 Jiri Lehecka*

14:43 , Luke Baker

Draper will want to keep his nose in front in this deciding set, putting the pressure back on his opponent for each service game.

A powerful demonstration of serving does the job here, bullying his way into a 40-0 lead and then top-spinning a forehand winner down the line past a helpless Lehecka.

*Jack Draper 4-6, 6-4, 1-1 Jiri Lehecka

14:41 , Luke Baker

That’s what the doctor ordered for Lehecka. He steadies the ship and races into a 40-0 lead.

Draper wins one point back, then fizzes a stunning passing backhand down the line to give himself a sniff at 30-40 but a well-controlled overhead smash means Lehecka holds for 1-1.

Jack Draper 4-6, 6-4, 1-0 Jiri Lehecka*

14:37 , Luke Baker

Draper has grown into this match and looks like a confident tennis player right now. He’s banging down big serves and holds to 15 with minimal fuss.

Can Lehecka bounce back and recapture that first-set form?

*Jack Draper 4-6, 6-4, 0-0 Jiri Lehecka

14:36 , Luke Baker

Phew! It can be hard to reset after drama like that but both players will need to.

Draper to serve first in this deciding set. A slight advantage?

SET! Jack Draper 4-6, 6-4 Jiri Lehecka - DRAPER WINS THE SECOND SET

14:34 , Luke Baker

Right, what can Draper do here? Wins the first point and the crowd are really getting behind him now. He does likewise on the third point to move 15-30 ahead...

Lehecka then drifts long and Draper has two break points to win the set! Massive massive moments.

AND HE’S DONE IT! Comes into the net, flicks a forehand past Lehecka and he thinks it has gone long but the automated line call system says it clips the line!

JACK DRAPER WINS THE SECOND SET 6-4! We’re heading to a decider at Queen’s

(Action Images via Reuters)

Jack Draper 4-6, 5-4 Jiri Lehecka*

14:28 , Luke Baker

Draper is on cruise control when serving now - completely dominant. He races through the game, winning to love and immediately transfers the pressure back to Lehecka.

(Getty Images)

*Jack Draper 4-6, 4-4 Jiri Lehecka

14:27 , Luke Baker

Draper is battling hard on the Lehecka serve here and is getting to at least 30 in every game now.

He’s 40-30 down when Lehecka pulls out a 141mph serve – his fastest of the match – to scramble another hold. The Czech would bite your hand off for a tiebreak at the end of this set right now, you feel.

Jack Draper 4-6, 4-3 Jiri Lehecka*

14:22 , Luke Baker

Solid from Draper. Cruises through another service game, winning it to 15.

Things have switched in this set, with all the pressure coming on the Lehecka serve. But the Brit hasn’t quite managed to dig out the all-important break just yet.

*Jack Draper 4-6, 3-3 Jiri Lehecka

14:19 , Luke Baker

Draper has a look at the serve by bringing up 30-30 and then forces deuce when Lehecka goes long. He’s getting more balls back in play now.

A deft serve-volley gives the Czech game point but Draper shows even better net skills to clip a winner with the ball at his feet on the run.

Then suddenly he’s got a break point as he draws a forehand mistake from Lehecka... Gets a second serve... But a punishing cross-court forehand SAVES it for the underdog.

He digs out the next two points and grinds out a hold of serve to make it 3-3. We’re getting to the business end of this second set now.

Jack Draper 4-6, 3-2 Jiri Lehecka*

14:10 , Luke Baker

Lehecka works his way to 30-30 and then constructs and impressive rally to earn himself a break point.

Massive moment in this match and Draper SAVES it off the back of a big serve. A big “come on” from Draper - he knows the importance of winning this game.

But a second break point soon follows as a forehand in the run is just wide... SAVED! Stunning touch from the Brit as he pulls out two drops shots and then flicks a forehand back behind Lehecka as he slips.

The second seed brings up advantage and Draper delivers the hold as Lehecka can’t get a return of serve in. PHEW! And breathe...

*Jack Draper 4-6, 2-2 Jiri Lehecka

14:05 , Luke Baker

Well, well, well. Here we go! Draper plays superbly to build a 0-40 lead and suddenly he has three break points.

Lehecka SAVES the first with clever play before the second is also SAVED when Draper floats a ball narrowly long. He thought it was in!

Third and final chance, Lehecka comes to the net and SAVES the final break point, stretching to pull out the volley winner on the forehand side. Brilliance from the Czech star.

But now another break point as Draper scampers to the net and flicks a backhanded winner down the line. It all came from him finding a way to get a big serve back. But Lehecka SAVES it with a phenomenal ace out wide.

Draper then starts hitting his racket against his shoe in frustration and swearing at himself before Lehecka somehow, someway holds serve. Four break points come and go for the Brit.

(Getty Images for LTA)

Jack Draper 4-6, 2-1 Jiri Lehecka*

13:56 , Luke Baker

Good defensive work to stay in the point by Lehecka but eventually he pings the ball long and Draper uses that as a springboard to race through a hold to love.

This is a high-quality match we’ve got on our hands.

*Jack Draper 4-6, 1-1 Jiri Lehecka

13:54 , Luke Baker

Draper needs to find a way to get the Lehecka first serve back to at least force a proper point to be played. Easy to say, of course, far harder to do.

He does a decent job of that in this second game of the second set and forces 30-30.

A superb return of a rocket Lehecka first serve but Lehecka pulls out a drop-shot winner on the stretch to bring up game point. That earns a fist pump from the Czech and he seals the hold on the following point.

Jack Draper 4-6, 1-0 Jiri Lehecka*

13:51 , Luke Baker

The crowd are really trying to urge Draper on here. He wins the first couple of points and there is supportive applause and cheers for the Brit.

In the end it’s a regulation hold to 15. A good start to the second set. He was broken in the first game of the match but looked solid after that, so there’s still plenty of hope

*Jack Draper 4-6, 0-0 Jiri Lehecka

13:49 , Luke Baker

Can Draper shake off that first set and get a foothold in this match? If he wants to reach the final, he’ll have to do it the hard way

SET! Jack Draper 4-6 Jiri Lehecka - LEHECKA WINS THE FIRST SET

13:46 , Luke Baker

A seventh Lehecka ace matches Draper’s first-set total and builds a 30-0 advantage for the underdog.

The Brit does win the next point by patiently staying in a rally and seeing his opponent go long but a netted return brings up two set points for Lehecka.

And it’s there! Lehecka goes deep and Draper squirts a backhand wide. JIRI LEHECKA WINS THE FIRST SET 6-4

(Action Images via Reuters)

Jack Draper 4-5 Jiri Lehecka*

13:42 , Luke Baker

Cleaner, much cleaner from Draper. He moves 30-0 ahead and then whips that lefty forehand just inside the baseline for another winner.

A two-handed backhanded is just out of the reach of a scrambling Lehecka and that’s a hold to love. Perfect preparation ahead of a final chance to stay in this first set - he must break his Czech opponent in this next game to avoid losing it.

*Jack Draper 3-5 Jiri Lehecka

13:40 , Luke Baker

Lehecka is finally giving Draper a look at some second serves and the Brit at last has a sniff at 15-30.

Two monstrous aces from the Czech put him back in charge at game point though and he comes forward to power an unreturnable forehand to hold serve once more. He’s now just a game away from winning the first set.

Jack Draper 3-4 Jiri Lehecka*

13:34 , Luke Baker

Brilliant touch from Lehecka, floating a finessed backhand winner all the way across the court, dropping it just over he net. Ooohs and claps from the Queen’s crowd.

Draper reels off the next three points though and then overcomes another double fault to notch another important hold. Still just the one break down.

Can he finally have a proper go at the Lehecka serve now?

*Jack Draper 2-4 Jiri Lehecka

13:31 , Luke Baker

There is no chance for Draper on Lehecka’s serve at the moment. He surges through another hold and needs just two more to lock down this opening set now.

Jack Draper 2-3 Jiri Lehecka*

13:28 , Luke Baker

Lehecka wins the first point on the Brit’s serve again but this time Draper bangs down two aces in response. However, a sloppy double fault makes it 30-30 for his third service game in a row.

This is stress you can’t keep fending off but on this occasion, the second seed does get over the line with another big first serve and then a crunched cross-court forehand. Most important thing is Draper gets the hold to remain just one break down

(Action Images via Reuters)

*Jack Draper 1-3 Jiri Lehecka

13:25 , Luke Baker

Another breeze of a service game for Lehecka as he holds with minimal fuss. Draper has been able to get a look-in on his opponent’s serve yet.

Jack Draper 1-2 Jiri Lehecka*

13:21 , Luke Baker

After winning the opening point, Draper is again kept off-balance by his opponent and a thumping, flat forehand winner from Lehecka brings up 30-30 once more.

But that’s a good response. Big unreturned serve to bring up game point before Draper seals the hold with a clean backhand winner. Better from the Brit.

*Jack Draper 0-2 Jiri Lehecka

13:19 , Luke Baker

This suddenly feels like a really important service game for Draper. He needs to settle into this match and if he is broken for a second time, this set could very quickly run away from him.

Opens up with an ace, which is positive

*Jack Draper 0-2 Jiri Lehecka

13:17 , Luke Baker

Lehecka has played sublimely this week, beating fifth seed Alex De Minaur in his first match and then floating through the rounds to this stage.

A clever body serve kicks him off in game two and he always looks in control from there, eventually sealing the hold to 15 with a two-handed backhand winner down the line. Impressive start

Jack Draper 0-1 Jiri Lehecka* - LEHECKA BREAKS

13:14 , Luke Baker

We’re underway at Queen’s. Draper will serve first in this one and despite a couple of big early serves getting points on the board, a pair of mistakes allow Lehecka an early look at 30-30.

Draper then sends a forehand long and Lehecka has a break point in the very first game of the match.

And that’s the worst possible way to lose it. Draper fires in a double fault as his second serve is long and Lehecka has a break of serve immediately to lead 1-0

Draper vs Lehecka head to head

13:04 , Luke Baker

Right, our attention is turning to Jack Draper against Jiri Lehecka first up. They’re just coming out on court to warm up now.

Both men are 23 years old so there’s not a huge amount of head to head action to consider but they have played on three occasions.

Draper leads 2-1 having beaten him in three sets at the Qatar Open earlier this year and in straight sets at the Paris Masters last year, although Lehecka won their first encounter in a final-set decider of the Adelaide International in January 2024.

Lehecka beat Draper in the final in Adelaide in early 2024 (Getty Images)

Sun shining down on Queen's

12:56 , Luke Baker

It’s been a glorious week of weather at Queen’s and today is set to be even more of a scorcher. Hats, water and suncream at the ready!

(AFP via Getty Images)

(Getty Images for LTA)

(Getty Images)

(AP)

Carlos Alcaraz reflects on reaching the semi-finals

12:45 , Luke Baker

Alcaraz beat Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech 7-5, 6-4 in his quarter-final yesterday and was suitably pleased after the event.

A smiling Alcaraz said, “I am feeling much better than the first day. It's just what I am trying to do after everyday is just feel better.

“I am feeling great playing on grass. I am really happy to play at such a good level today. It was tough playing on the grass today but I am really happy with the way I have played today.”

Asked about the recovery time from his three-and-a-half-hour marathon match against Jaume Munar the day before, he said: “I could feel better but honestly I thought I would be feeling worse than I am right now but as tennis players we have to do what we have to do and that's to recover and play the next day. I am glad today was one hour and 20 minutes.

“I am just happy and hopefully tomorrow I am going to feel much better.”

Carlos Alcaraz has fought his way into the semi-finals (Action Images via Reuters)

Jacob Fearnley knocked out of Queen’s quarter-finals by Jiri Lehecka

12:32 , Luke Baker

Jacob Fearnley’s Queen’s Club run was halted in the quarter-finals in straight sets by Jiri Lehecka.

The British number two looked heavy-legged in an error-strewn 7-5 6-2 defeat to the Czech world number 30.

Fearnley was scheduled to play the opening match on the Andy Murray Arena despite a gruelling three-setter against Corentin Moutet the day before, followed by a win in the doubles – alongside Cameron Norrie – against Lehecka and Taylor Fritz.

Lehecka got revenge for that defeat by preventing Fearnley from becoming the first British man to reach the semi-finals on his Queen’s Club debut in 48 years.

Jacob Fearnley knocked out of Queen’s quarter-finals by Jiri Lehecka

Jack Draper taking nothing for granted despite ‘huge step’ into top four

12:21 , Luke Baker

Jack Draper admitted climbing into the world’s top four was a “huge step” but insisted it means no guarantees of success at Wimbledon.

“I’ve got to get to the semis first,” he smiled, before adding: “I think it’s a definite huge step for me.

“I remember last year going in ranked around 30 or 40. To be inside the top four one year around, that’s massive progress, a testament to my team, the dedication I have had for tennis, the work I have put in on a daily basis.

“It’s another step in the right direction. At Wimbledon, regardless of seeding, each match is very difficult, because obviously you’ve got loads of top players in the draw, a bit like this week. But it gives me confidence knowing I’m in that position and I’m going to be in the right place for that.”

Jack Draper taking nothing for granted despite ‘huge step’ into top four

Jack Draper seals huge Wimbledon boost after Queen’s quarter-final victory

12:10 , Luke Baker

On one level, it is mission accomplished for Jack Draper at Queen’s Club this week. Of course, there is still a tournament to win, a prestigious tournament at that, especially for a British player. Rather tantalisingly, Draper remains on a final collision course with world No 2 Carlos Alcaraz. What a showdown that would be.

But around these parts, there is always one eye firmly set on the big grass court dance, five miles south, in 10 days’ time.

The surprise first-round exit of current world No 4 Taylor Fritz this week, and the non-activity of No 5 Novak Djokovic, handed No 6 Draper a golden opportunity to seal a top-four seeding for Wimbledon. With that comes an easier quarter-final at SW19 – by ranking, avoiding the likes of Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner until the semis – should he get there.

Read Kieran Jackson’s full piece from Queen’s Club yesterday:

Jack Draper seals huge Wimbledon boost after Queen’s quarter-final victory

Order of play

12:08 , Luke Baker

The order of play is quite simple today. Jack Draper is first up on the Andy Murray Arena taking on Jiri Lehecka at 1pm BST.

Then following that match, potentially around 3pm-ish, will be Carlos Alcaraz v Roberto Bautista Agut.

Andy Murray Arena

From 1pm BST

Jack Draper (2) v Jiri Lehecka

Carlos Alcaraz (1) v Roberto Bautista Agut

Queen's club semi-finals

12:05 , Luke Baker

Welcome to semi-final Saturday at Queen’s Club with a pair of cracking last-four matches on the docket.

Jack Draper and Carlos Alcaraz are both in action, so stick with The Independent for full live coverage