not so long the Czech Republic He lived very happy years and full of successes in his men’s tennis with the enormous duo that formed Radek Stepanek and Tomas Berdych. Two Davis Cups in a row for them and a multitude of great results for a generation that did nothing but continue with a legacy and tradition of great tennis in the heart of Europe. But behind them, the uncertainty became notable and a replacement that was too fast or of quality was not in sight. Until a boy called Use Lehecka. Born in Mlada Boleslav on November 8, 2001, this 1.85 m tall young man is giving a lot to talk about in this edition of the Open the Australia. Perhaps it has gone more unnoticed than other young pearls of the so-called NextGen, with an irruption somewhat later and slow-cooked, but what seems certain is that the direction it is taking is the right one and it will surely be postulated as a firm candidate for great things in the near future.
Lehecka entered this 2023 with the enormous momentum that comes with playing a great role at the NextGen ATP Finals in Milan. He could not take the title but he did reach the final that he would lose to the American Brandon Nakashima. It was unknown in any case what his performance would be in the big tournaments. Until now, he had as a great milestone those semifinals that he marked last year on the roof of Rotterdam, passing the previous one and knocking down rackets like Shapovalov or Musetti to end up losing to Tsitsipas. Unfortunately for his interests, he was not able to continue that great result and signed a rather discreet rest of the season. He has yet to break into the top 50 officially, although with the round of 16 in Australia he will leave Melbourne in the top 50 for sure.
A new air for a spectacular school like the Czech
The son of athletes, he naturally always admired the two great flagships of Czech tennis in recent decades, Stepanek and Berdych. Lehecka we would say that he has tennis that is not too similar to his two idols. Although they were clean ball players, excellent hitting, extraordinary ‘timing’ and whose game stood out especially on the fastest courts, in Jiri’s case the style is different. He has a game that is more suited to slower and heavier conditions, with a hit with a lot of spin, especially with his forehand. He is a very solid player and has a really high pace with the ball, as the standards dictate today. A new air for a Czech tennis more accustomed to another style.
He did not know what it was like to win a Grand Slam match until his presence at the 2023 Australian Open. Something that seemed like it was going to end soon. What was not seen coming so much is that he broke the mold and entered the kitchen, already sneaking into the second week of the tournament. “For me this is all a dream come true. It’s the reason why I play tennis. Playing against all these guys and in these venues. It’s fantastic, it makes me feel really excited. I really enjoyed the five-set battle I had , also the public”, commented the Czech at a press conference after beating Cameron Norrie.
Where is the roof of this 21-year-old? At the moment, a whole miura comes to him such as Felix Auger-Aliassime. “Again, he will be the favorite in the match. Although it is true that I think he knows what I am capable of. I also know his weaknesses. Also his strengths. It will be a huge game. Here in Melbourne I think they come very well for me. the conditions of the tournament are good”, warns Lehecka, who will be less and less covered wherever he goes. It will be necessary to follow him very closely, because he promises a lot.
