Lehecka rallies past Draper to lift Adelaide Trophy and claim maiden ATP Tour title

Jiri Lehecka won his first ATP Tour title Saturday at the Adelaide International, defeating Jack Draper.

At the hard-court ATP 250 in South Australia, Lehecka came from behind to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. Lehecka dialed in to win a close second set before taking control early in the decider of his first Lexus ATP Head2Head match against Draper, en route to a two-hour, eight-minute championship victory.

“It’s hard for me to say something, because it is so emotional for me to win my first title here in Adelaide,” said Lehecka at the trophy ceremony.

“I’m super excited. I would like to congratulate Jack and his team, because it is such a joy to watch you… I wish you all the best for the rest of the season. Just stay healthy and keep playing.”

Lehecka outhit Draper 34 winners to 24, according to Infosys ATP Stats, as both players competed in their second ATP Tour title.

The seventh-seeded Czech used his heavy forehand to increasingly dominate rallies as the match progressed, and he also demonstrated mental toughness by holding serve from 3-1, 0/40 in the third set.

“I’d like to congratulate Jiri and his coach,” said Draper, ”You guys have been doing some amazing work. A career-high ranking, playing some amazing tennis, and your first title. I was trying to do the same today, but you deserve it and you were the better player today.”

Lehecka is the first Czech ATP Tour title winner since Jiri Vesely in Pune in 2020, and his title run will propel him nine spots to a new career high of No. 23 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings.

His Adelaide victory will boost his confidence as he prepares for the Australian Open, where he made his first major quarterfinal in 2023. The Czech will play Bernabe Zapata Miralles in his first match in Melbourne, while Draper will face Marcos Giron.

SportsLigue