JACK DRAPER broke the electronic advertising hoardings as he smashed his racquet... and crashed out of Queen’s.
The British No1 was desperate to book his place in the final in West London.
But he came up just short against Czech ace Jiri Lehecka, losing an agonising semi-final 6-4 4-6 7-5.
And temper boiled over when he lost his serve at a crucial time late in the deciding set.
The world No6 – who will be – was beaten by a stunning clean backhand winner from his opponent to seal the break.
And as Draper ran across the back of the court, he let his frustration out.
Careful not to damage the manicured lawn, the Sutton star whacked his Dunlop racquet into the electronic board at the side of the court.
But as he did so, the screen – ironically showing a red-and-white advert for his own sponsors Dunlop – crackled and then cut out.
The top part of the hoarding also came away.
But it appeared the damage was not limited to the screen.
Because Draper also cracked right through his frame to break his racquet, sending his shock absorber flying.
And it appeared he may have hurt himself too as he checked his hand and hobbled gingerly to his chair for the changeover with blood on his knee.
Draper was given a code violation warning for unsportsmanlike conduct by umpire Adel Nour – having earlier escaped punishment for blasting a ball in anger – to go with his time violation warning.
BBC Sport commentator Andrew Cotter said: “Again, the anger shows which you understand.
“That racquet has seen better days. He’s done a bit of damage and maybe damage to his hand.
“Adel Nour had no option at all. Yes, you understand it, this is a big, big event for Draper.”;
After digging a fresh racquet out of his bag, the former US Open semi-finalist could not get the all-important immediate break back as Lehecka served out the win and book his place in the final.
But fans on social media were disappointed with Draper’s furious outburst.
One said: “Striking the hard-to-maintain grass court in front of your home fans and your knee like a psycho after losing a point, you will never make me like Jack Draper.”;
Another wrote: “Some weak umpiring meant Draper didn’t get a warning when he fired a ball earlier. Furious at getting broken at 5-5 in the third he goes after the ad board signage and... breaks it.”;
A third added: “Lehecka breaks and Draper smashes the billboard... hefty fine coming for the Brit.”;
A fourth commented: “Kids will be watching and follow his abysmal behaviour, just like through the air. There is absolutely no excuse.”;
And a final user wrote: “Pathetic from Draper. Misses a shot and smashes his racquet into the advertising board. Can’t stand that sort of behaviour.”;
It is not the first time Draper has destroyed a racquet in recent times.
to Canada in November and did the same at the Italian Open in Rome last month.
But he will be hoping he can channel his concentration into a deep run at .
