“I was the one that prepared much better,” Jiri Lehecka credits his ‘aggressiveness’ as he stuns Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev at the Indian Wells

The 32nd seed is into the quarter-finals for the first time at Indian Wells having lost in the second round in his debut appearance last year.

“I was the one that prepared much better,” Jiri Lehecka credits his ‘aggressiveness’ as he stuns Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev at the Indian Wells

L-R: Jiri Lehecka, Andrey Rublev, Stefanos Tsitsipas (Images via IMAGO)

World No. 32 Jiri Lehecka continues to shine in the Californian desert as he makes the quarter-finals of the 2024 Indian Wells Masters. Playing the tournament for just the second time in his career, the Czech ace reaches the last-8 for the first time.

Up against 11th-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas, Lehecka won the tie 6-2, 6-4. It was his second consecutive win over a Top-15 seed. In the third round, he defeated fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-4. The 32nd seed will now make his debut in the quarter-finals of a Masters-1000 event.

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With two big wins in consecutive rounds, it was only natural that the player be questioned about his strategy. While many players tend to hide their plans, Jiri Lehecka was candid about it. He credited his aggressive playing style and took pride in preparing better than his higher-ranked opponents.

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To put things in context, he didn’t allow a single breakpoint chance to Rublev. While Tsitsipas managed to create four breakpoint chances, the 22-year-old defended them well. He converted three of his 10 chances to overpower the Greek.

He has not lost his serve for two consecutive matches now this week. The win also helped him become the first Czech since Tomas Berdych in 2017 to reach a Masters-1000 quarter-final. 

It means a lot. To play against these kinds of players is a big challenge. I knew it would be super hard. I lost 2 of our previous matches. Of course, we both knew each other and what we were heading into. I think I was the one that prepared much better. We saw it on the court with my activity, and my aggressiveness.
Said Lehecka speaking during his on-court interview. 
My aggressive style helped me today in these crucial moments. Last year it was tough for me. It was my first full year on the ATP tour. All these big events like here I played for the first time. It was like a small fairytale for me, seeing these amazing stages and players. This year is a bit different. It’s my 2nd time everywhere.
Added the Czech youngster.

He further went on to credit his family for their constant support. As he is playing the 2024 season with some experience under his belt, the support in his home nation is increasing. And he confessed to being adamant on producing results in response to the support.

Massive test for Jiri Lehecka in the quarter-finals

For a spot in the semi-finals, the Czech will possibly have the toughest opponent to go up against at this moment. He will take on reigning Australian Open champ and third-seeded Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finals.

Jiri Lehecka
Jiri Lehecka in action at the Indian Wells (Image via IMAGO)

The Italian defeated Ben Shelton to continue his streak of straight-set wins this week in the Californian desert. He is now 18-0, of which 15 wins have come in 2024. The two 22-year-olds had previously met in the Ostrava Challenger in 2019. The clay court match was won by Sinner in straight-sets.

While the Italian is the man to defeat this season, Lehecka will back himself for the test. Having shot down two seeds in straight sets, the Czech will likely continue with his aggressive playing style to take the World No. 3 by surprise. Either way, it will surely be a thrilling encounter with the semis spot on line.

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