Jiri Lehecka came up top in a showdown between two big-hitting 22-year-olds at the Adelaide International to claim a maiden ATP Tour title on Sunday.
The 22-year-old Czech Republic player battled hard for a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 upset win over British player Jack Draper in the two-hour, eight-minute championship match at the South Australian hard-court ATP 250.
“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.”
As a result of his title run, Lehecka, the first Czech ATP Tour winner since Jiri Vesely in Pune in 2020, would climb nine ranks to a new career high of No. 23 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on Monday.
His victory in Adelaide will give him more confidence going into the Australian Open, where he made it to his first major quarterfinal in 2023.
In his Melbourne debut, the Czech will face Bernabe Zapata Miralles, while Draper begins his campaign against Marcos Giron.
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