Competing in his fifth tournament of the season, British player Jack Draper advanced to the Lexus Eastbourne Open last four for the second time, setting up a clash with Frenchman Ugo Humbert for a spot in the title match.
Former world No. 4 Jack Draper has been going from strength to strength in his comeback to tour-level action after more than two months sidelined due to a knee injury.
The 24-year-old is making the most of the wild card entry he received into the main draw at the Lexus Eastbourne Open, having reached his fourth grass semifinal on Thursday, the first with Andy Murray in his coaching box.
One of the sport's most talented young athletes, dismissed Canadian Gabriel Diallo with a 6-1, 6-4 win in just 69 minutes on home soil.
"I’m incredibly happy to be here, and to get some matches under my belt is a great feeling," he said in his on-court interview.
"I'm really proud of my performance today. I thought it was a strong performance against a tough player."
Delivering a high level of tennis, Draper, who progressed to the last four without losing a set, is building confidence while finding his rhythm ahead of his home Slam, Wimbledon.
Addressing his journey thus far, playing under challenging weather conditions, he commented, “Obviously, it’s been a difficult year with a lot of injury setbacks and everything, but I’m gaining more confidence in my body. Winning helps, obviously.
"I’m not sure about how good an idea it is to wear all black. I was definitely feeling it yesterday. That’s the only kit I’ve got with me, so I hope it’s not hot again tomorrow.”
On Friday, he will face off against sixth seed Ugo Humbert, who produced a 6-3, 6-4 victory over lucky loser Quentin Halys to reach back-to-back semifinals at the ATP 250 venue.
The French player, currently ranked world No. 30, leads Draper 1-0 in their series. Tomorrow, they will meet for the first time since 2024, marking their maiden encounter on the grass courts.
The 27-year-old arrived in Devonshire Park off the back of a standout run at Queen’s Club, where he fell to eventual runner-up Tommy Paul in the last four.
The other semifinal will feature world No. 48 Zizou Bergs against British lucky loser Toby Samuel.
The 23-year-old shocked eighth seed Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the quarterfinals to record the first Top 50 win of his career.
Previously, the young Brit achieved his maiden career win on Tour over Argentine Thiago Tirante.
“I was pretty nervous in that last game,” Samuel asserted. “I’m happy to have got through that one; otherwise, it would have been a bit tight the rest of the set."
Discussing his impressive campaign, he added, “It’s been crazy, I’m so grateful to be in this situation here. It’s surreal, playing my first ATP event and making the semifinals also.”
Two intriguing matches will decide who breaks new ground in the lead-up to The Championships 2026.