Jack Draper makes history at Queen’s, locks in top-4 Wimbledon seeding

British No.1 Jack Draper has guaranteed a top-four seeding at Wimbledon 2025 after a determined three-set victory over American Brandon Nakashima at Queen’s Club, setting the stage for a historic run.

The 23-year-old battled through a testing quarter-final on the Andy Murray Arena, eventually triumphing 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 in two hours and 22 minutes. Draper’s victory not only earned him his first-ever semi-final appearance at Queen’s but also propelled him to a career-high world No.4 ranking, leapfrogging both Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz.

Potential to make Wimbledon history

By clinching the No.4 seed at Wimbledon, Draper ensures he won’t face either world No.1 Jannik Sinner or No.2 Carlos Alcaraz until at least the semi-finals, a significant advantage as he eyes a deep run at SW19.

I’ve got to get to the semis first, Draper said with a smile. But last year I went there ranked 40th and now I’m fourth. To get to that position is an incredible feeling. It is testament to the work me and my team have done and I’m proud of that.

Gritty battle on the grass

Draper’s resilience was on full display as he saved six break points in the opening set before finally closing it out on his sixth opportunity. Nakashima pushed the match into a deciding third set after Draper sent a fatigued forehand long late in the second.

At 3-3 in the final set, Draper thought he had sealed a break with a wide-angled backhand, only for the automatic line call to be drowned out by the crowd. He made no mistake on the following point, hammering a winner beyond Nakashima's reach. He later saved two break points while serving for the match and closed out a thrilling contest.

Next up: Jiri Lehecka

Draper now faces Czech world No.30 Jiri Lehecka, who defeated fellow Brit Jacob Fearnley 7-5, 6-2. Fearnley, the British No.2, looked physically drained after a demanding schedule that included a three-set win over Corentin Moutet and a doubles victory with Cameron Norrie the previous night.

Obviously if I’d known I was going to be put on first the day after playing a long match in 32 degrees and playing another doubles match late at night, then I probably wouldn’t have played doubles, Fearnley admitted. It’s just about being smart about it, really.

The match between Jack Draper and Jiri Lehecka will take place on Saturday, June 21st at the Queen's Club, London, England.