World no. 36 Jiri Lehecka parted ways with the former world no. 4 Tomas Berdych. The experienced Czech is the Czech Republic’s new David Cup captain, focusing on his new role and ending collaboration with his young compatriot by mutual agreement. The 22-year-old started working with Berdych in Monte Carlo 2023, reaching the Winston-Salem final four months later. The Czech finished the season just outside the top-30 and made a good start to the 2024 campaign. He lifted his first ATP trophy in Adelaide after beating Nicolas Jarry, Sebastian Korda and Jack Draper. Lehecka entered the top-30 and defeated Andrey Rublev and Stefanos Tsitsipas in Indian Wells. The young gun ousted Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev en route to the Madrid Masters semi-final. However, he retired in the opening set against Felix Auger-Aliassime, revealing a stress fracture in his vertebra.
Jiri Lehecka, Davis Cup 2024© Stream screenshot
Jiri Lehecka split with Tomas Berdych after 18 months.
The Czech stayed away from the court for almost four months, missing Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the Olympic Games before returning to action in Cincinnati. Jiri made a notable comeback, beating world no. 5 Daniil Medvedev 7-6, 6-4 in the second round. Jiri toppled Medvedev in an hour and 39 minutes, following the rival’s pace for a set and a half and moving over the top with a late break. The Russian served at only 44% and did his best to remain in touch. He saved three of four break points in the final two games, failing to reach another tie break and prolong the battle. The Czech denied all five break points, playing well in the pivotal moments and earning a notable triumph at his comeback event.
Jiri Lehecka, Davis Cup 2024© Stream screenshot
Daniil had a slight edge from the baseline, and Jiri performed better at the net, finishing the match with 24 winners and 32 unforced errors. The younger player produced more efficient numbers in the shortest and mid-range rallies, while world no. 5 took four points more in the most advanced exchanges. Lehecka made a winning start at the US Open, beating Marton Fucsovics and Mitchel Krueger en route to the third round. The Czech erased two sets to love deficit against the American and set the clash against Andrey Rublev, who defeated him in straight sets. Jiri represented his country in the Davis Cup, losing tight duels to Roberto Bautista Agut and Arthur Fils ahead of next week’s ATP 500 event in Beijing. The Czech will seek a strong finish to the season, hoping to attack the top-20 ahead of 2025.