Jacob Fearnley wilts in the sun as Queen's star gets revenge on Brit

Jacob Fearnley crashed out of the HSBC Championships after sending down 10 double faults as he wilted in the sun. And Czech Jiri Lehecka gained revenge for losing in the doubles to the British No.2 on Thursday night to reach the Queen's Club semi-finals

Fearnley needed over two hours in the searing heat to beat French qualifier Corentin Moutet on Thursday. He then returned to Court 1 later in the evening to combine with Cam Norrie to beat Lehecka and Taylor Fritz in only 64 minutes.

And the world No.60, who again wore an all-black outfit in the heat, ran out of steam on the hottest day of the year to lose 7-5 6-2. When world No.30 Lehecka sent down a 138mph serve in the second set, Fearnley held his hand in pain.

The British No.2, who only turned pro last summer, had reached an ATP quarter-final for the first time. And he had been bidding to become only the second British player in the Open era to reach the last four after Mark Cox reached in 1977.

Starting at midday in the first match in the Andy Murray Arena, Fearnley broke to lead 3-1 but immediately gave the break back when he sent down three double faults in the next game.

And then at 5-5, he served another three double faults and lost a second break point when he hit a tame backhand into the net..

Lehecka took his first set point with an ace.

In the second set, Fearnley did not win another game from 2-2 as he was broken twice more.And Lehecka took his second match point when Fearnley steered a forehand into the net.

It was the Czech's 100th ATP Tour singles win. Lehecka, who has yet to drop a set at Queen's Club, "I am super happy to be in the semi-finals. My first semi final on grass. Hopefully I can go further. 100 is a very nice number. Hopefully I can get even more. It sounds kinda funny when others have over 1,000. I am not saying it is demotivating! It is a nice number. Let's keep it going."

BBC commentator John Lloyd said: "The serve on grass is the key stroke in the game. He was hitting most of his double faults into the net. The shoulder could be an issue. He looks like he is pulling down.

"It was the same in the last match against Moutet. When you lose a bit of confidence, that is when the double faults start. You can't do that at this level against an experienced player on the other side of the net."