In a thrilling showdown at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, Czech tennis star Jiri Lehecka achieved a stunning victory over top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz, securing his first Top 3 win and advancing to the semi-finals.
Lehecka triumphed with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 win, demonstrating both his powerful baseline hitting and mental resilience.
The 23-year-old rallied from a 2-4 deficit in the third set, showcasing his determination and belief in his aggressive playing style. Lehecka, who has been on a remarkable run this season, emphasized the importance of staying true to his game plan and pushing his opponent to the limit.
This victory not only marks Lehecka’s seventh Top 10 win but also ties his Lexus ATP Head2Head series with Alcaraz at 1-1. Following his recent successes, including a tour-level title in Brisbane and a fourth-round appearance at the Australian Open, Lehecka is set to rise to a career-high ranking of No. 22 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.
Alcaraz, despite entering the match on a seven-match winning streak, struggled with his timing and faced a formidable challenge from Lehecka’s aggressive play. The match, lasting over two hours, saw Alcaraz hit several stunning shots but ultimately fall short against Lehecka’s relentless pressure.
Lehecka will now face either British left-hander Jack Draper or Italian star Matteo Berrettini in the semi-finals, with his confidence and momentum at an all-time high. “I am confident I can bring even more tomorrow and I will try my best,” said Lehecka, looking ahead to his next challenge.
