Dream week for Jiri Lehecka

Jiri Lehecka is shocked by it himself. He is in the semi-final of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament. The Czech qualifier defeats Lorenzo Musetti in an exciting quarterfinal: 6-3, 1-6, 7-5. "This is an unforgettable moment.”

Jiri Lehecka arrived in Rotterdam Ahoy last Friday to train for his first game in the qualifying tournament. After victories over Jesper de Jong and Corentin Moutet, he reached the main draw of a major ATP tournament for the first time in his still young career. And then also the name of Denis Shapovalov rolls out of the tube as his first opponent. Lehecka immediately provided the first big surprise on Tuesday afternoon with a victory over the fifth-seeded Canadian.

The Dutch public gets fully acquainted with 20-year-old Lehacka when he sends Botic van de Zansdchulp home in the second round. Then the game against Lorenzo Musetti, the 19-year-old Italian talent, awaits in the quarterfinals. Lehecka strikes immediately on his first match point.

"I have no words for this after such a great match,” he beams on center court. Lehecka will make a big jump on Monday when the new world rankings appear again. The number 137 of the ATP ranking will then reach the global top 100 for the first time.

Jiri Lehecka continues his dream week on Saturday afternoon in the semifinal against leader Stefanos Tsitsipas, who did not really get into trouble in his quarterfinal against Australian Alex de Minaur (6-4, 6-4). Lehecka is also a new face for the Greek number four in the world. "I don't know him, but Lehecka has played some good matches here. I would rather have played against someone I know from the Tour, because you don't know what to expect now. I hope my routine will be the deciding factor.”