Jiri Lehecka recorded the biggest win of his career, according to the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, after defeating world No. 12 Alexander Zverev of Germany 6-4, 6-2. This result also leaves the Czech Republic team with a 1-0 lead in the opening series on Day 3 of the United Cup.
The 21-year-old came alive during the hour and 34 minute clash at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena, producing a display of clean shots to get past Zverev in baseline exchanges. The world No. 81 broke four times and looked strong at net, moving consistently and effectively to finish off the points.
Lehecka, the 2022 Next Gen ATP Finals runner-up, had already defeated a World No. 12. He had been against Denis Shapovalov en route to the semifinals in Rotterdam last season. This great result, which earns him his first win on the 2023 ATP Tour, fills him with confidence after losing to Taylor Fritz earlier this week.
Her country looks to bounce back from their loss to Team USA in the opener of Group C. Marie Bouzkova will be looking to double the Czechs’ lead when she takes on Jule Niemeier in the second match of Day 3 in Sydney.
Zverev was competing for the first time since June when he tore three ligaments in his right ankle during his Roland Garros semifinal clash with Rafael Nadal. The two-time Nitto ATP Finals champion showed flashes of his best in his first ATP Head2Head meeting against Lehecka, but was unable to sustain it for extended periods, missing his forehand at crucial moments.
