Jack Draper quipped that he would "go on court with a broken leg" after the British number one was beaten in the semi-finals at Queen's.Â
Draper, who lost 4-6 6-4 5-7 to Jiri Lehecka on Saturday, had been feeling unwell for a few days and has since been diagnosed with tonsillitis.Â
The second seed was the last hope of a first British winner at the tournament since Andy Murray in 2016, but was unable to get over the line in London.Â
But his run to the final four came with some reward. Draper will now be seeded in the top four for the penultimate major of the year at Wimbledon, which begins late this month.Â
And despite revealing the difficulties he faced as he battled not only Lehecka but illness too, Draper said withdrawing from his semi-final clash was never an option.Â
"Today's probably the worst I have felt," said Draper shortly after his defeat. "Did I think about withdrawing? No, not at all. I'm in the semi-finals at Queen's.
"I'd probably go on court with a broken leg. I wouldn't have pulled out for anything."
Draper lost the match in the third set when Lehecka broke the Brit바카라™s serve in the penultimate game.
This led to Draper smashing his racket, which he stated highlighted his emotions on the day.
"I don't condone that behaviour, but at the same time, that's kind of where I was at today,"Â Draper added.
"I was trying to use everything I could. I tried to compete [for] every ball. But in the end, anger just spilled over a little bit too much."
