Draper, who’s bidding for a primary title on the ATP Tour, loved a assured begin as he broke early to take a 2-0 lead.
Nevertheless, Bublik broke again instantly and the pair have been evenly matched with the world quantity 31 saving a set level at 6-5 earlier than forcing a tie-break.
The British quantity 4 claimed a mini-break to go 4-2 up earlier than closing out a gruelling hour-long first set in scorching situations.
Bublik entertained the gang with dazzling drop pictures because the gamers exchanged holds at first of the second set, however he grew to become annoyed when Draper broke and consolidated for a 4-2 lead.
Draper maintained his benefit and wanted solely the primary of three match factors to arrange a remaining with world quantity 32 Lehecka, who thrashed American third seed Sebastian Korda 6-2 6-1 earlier on Friday.
“I am very happy with myself. It was a troublesome match towards a man who could be very unpredictable,” Draper stated in his on-court interview.
“It is actually enjoyable to play him and to look at him play as effectively. It is not an excellent combine while you’ve bought a man serving 136 miles per hour and you may’t see the ball as a result of the solar is approaching to the courtroom, nevertheless it was a extremely good match.”
Saturday’s remaining comes earlier than Draper takes on American Marcos Giron within the first spherical of the Australian Open, which will get below approach in Melbourne on Sunday.
Requested what it could imply to win his first ATP title, Draper stated: “It will imply loads to me. I got here right here, I made the semi-final – I’ve gone one additional this 12 months. I made my first remaining on the again finish of final 12 months and I am within the remaining once more so I’m actually hoping I can get it over the road.”
