Jack Draper secured a coveted top-four seeding at Wimbledon after battling past American Brandon Nakashima 6-4 5-7 6-4 in the Queen's Club quarter-finals on Friday afternoon.
The British No.1's hard-fought victory guarantees he will be the highest-seeded British man at the All England Club since Andy Murray defended his title in 2017.
The 23-year-old from Putney will face Czech player Jiri Lehecka in tomorrow's semi-finals, keeping alive hopes of a Sunday showpiece against world No.2 Carlos Alcaraz.
Draper's achievement marks a remarkable rise from his world No.28 ranking at last year's Championships.
Jack Draper is through to the next round of Queen's
Reuters
The match proved a gruelling test under the west London sun, with Draper converting just one of nine break point opportunities throughout the encounter.
After claiming the opening set, the Briton squandered a 5-4 lead in the second as Nakashima broke late to force a decider.
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Draper's performance was far from flawless, with an overreliance on drop shots against the speedy American and sporadic forehand errors.
The crucial breakthrough came at 3-3 in the final set when Draper finally found his range, breaking with a trademark forehand down the line.
He then served out the match despite facing two break points, sealing victory with a volley at the net.
Speaking courtside after his victory, Draper acknowledged the significance of reaching his first Queen's semi-final.
"To be in the semi-final here is honestly something I have wanted since I was a little kid, so it means everything to me," he said.
The Briton praised the home crowd's support whilst remaining grounded about his Wimbledon prospects.
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Jack Draper beat Brandon Nakashima 6-4 5-7 6-4 in the Queen's Club quarter-finals on Friday afternoon
Reuters
"I keep on getting asked about top four seeding but I have to get to the semis first!" Draper noted.
"To get to that position is an incredible feeling. It is testament to the work me and my team have done and I am proud of that."
Draper's ascent to world No.4 represents a stunning transformation from his second-round Wimbledon exit last year.
The victory extends British revenge over Nakashima, who had eliminated Dan Evans earlier in the tournament, leaving Draper as the sole home player remaining in the singles draw.
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His top-four seeding ensures he cannot face either world No.1 Jannik Sinner or defending champion Alcaraz until the semi-finals at SW19.
The achievement underscores British tennis's resurgence, with Draper now positioned to emulate his idol Murray's Queen's triumph.
Sunday's potential final against Alcaraz would offer redemption after the Spaniard's recent victories, though Draper memorably defeated him at Queen's last year.
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