The two of them together on the court simply attract attention. The tennis connection between the player Jiří Lehečka and the coach Tomáš Berdych is of interest to fans and the world media, especially as the star of the Czech youngster continues to rise on the ATP circuit.
Not even five years have passed since Berdych’s name disappeared from the ATP rankings, and already the lanky native of Valašské Meziříčí is wandering around well-known tennis venues again.
For the second season as an escort and for the first time in the American destinations of Indian Wells and Miami. He gives Jiří Leheček his recent experience on the circuit and helps him move ever closer to his dream top ten, where he himself spent six years continuously.
“Tomas and I only started visiting tournaments last year in Monte Carlo, I’m glad that I took him here this year. I feel much better here than last year. With his experience, he helped me deal with the local conditions,” admitted Lehečka in Indian Wells.
The tournament went well for him, after all, on his way to the quarterfinals, he defeated the great aces of contemporary tennis – the fifth ranked Russian Andrey Rublev or the recent top three Stefanos Tsitsipas from Greece.
“Of course, we also analyze the opponent together. But recently, they mainly try to get me into the zone on the court so that I feel good in the match,” revealed the twenty-two-year-old tennis player from Kněžmost.
Although Michal Navrátil remains his head coach, who travels with him to the most tournaments, the former Wimbledon finalist in his team attracts the attention of fans during training sessions and journalists at press conferences. They want to hear what coach Berdych is like.
“He is in many ways the same as a player. He is very professional, dedicated to success. But at the same time he is very relaxed on the court, he does not take things too seriously. No stress or pressure. He knows that the important moments must be mastered especially on the court during the match.” described Leheček.
The Czech youngster is experiencing only his second season in the world of big tennis, thus appearing at the most attractive venues for only the second time in his life, and he is still in the phase of gaining experience.
The details and insights that can only be obtained by playing matches, he would probably absorb for a few more seasons. He has them first hand from Berdych.
“And he likes to share them. Like in Indian Wells, he prepared me for what the conditions are like here when it’s hot and sunny or when it’s played at night and it’s dark. We were also there in time to spend more time on the court , this helps me a lot,” praises the current Czech number one.
After Lehečka finished his Californian mission in the quarterfinals against the hot Jannik Sinner, both moved to the next Masters, this time in Miami.
“I’m just getting used to this nomadic life. I’m looking for a way, what to do between tournaments, how to prepare. So far, what I like most is the feeling when I succeed, when I win and go shake hands with my opponent saying that I was better That motivates me and that’s what I’m most happy about now,” added the newly ranked 27th player in the world.
Editing of the round of 16 tournament in Indian Wells, Jiří Lehečka and Stefanos Tsitsipas:
Lehečka vs. Tsitsipas | Video: Associated Press
2024-03-19 05:28:23
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