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Jiri Lehecka is through to the semi-final of the ATP 250 event in Doha following a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 triumph over a top-10 rival Andrey Rublev. The young Czech gained around 70 positions on the ATP ranking list in 2022, entering the top-100 and setting higher goals ahead of 2023.
Lehecka defeated Alexander Zverev at the start of the season and reached his first Major quarter-final in Melbourne. Jiri did not play in Rotterdam, losing the points for the last year's semi-final and leaving the top-50. However, he plays well in Doha this week, ousting Rublev and remaining on the title course.
Andrey fired ten aces and faced only three break points. However, he got broken twice and struggled on the return after the opener to hit the exit door and push the rival through. Lehecka took charge after the opener, facing only one break point in the entire clash and keeping the pressure on the other side.
Jiri Lehecka overpowered Andrey Rublev in Doha.
They were neck and neck in the mid-range and most advanced rallies, while Lehecka forged the victory in the shortest range up to four strokes. Andrey produced five comfortable holds in the opening set, performing as a former champion and delivering an early break.
Jiri squandered a 40-15 lead in the third game and got broken following a terrible double fault. Andrey needed only one opportunity to build the lead and remain there. He fired a service winner at 5-4 to wrap up the opener in 33 minutes and gain a boost.
Lehecka took charge in the second set, serving well and waiting for a return chance. They stayed neck and neck in the opening nine games, and Andrey served to stay in the set at 4-5. Jiri stepped in and created three set points.
He converted the first to wrap up the set with a break at love and introduce a decider after an hour and seven minutes. The Czech kept everything under control in his games in the final set, challenging the rival to repeat that to remain in contention.
Andrey got broken for the second time in a row at the start of the set after Jiri's forehand down the line winner to find himself 2-0 behind. Lehecka held the strings in his hands after that and created a match point on the return in game nine.
Rublev denied it and brought it home to prolong the battle. The youngster served for the victory at 5-3 and held at 15 with a service winner to seal the deal and secure a place in the semi-final.