Jiri Lehecka came back from one set down to beat Jack Draper 4-6 6-4 6-3 in their first head-to-head match after 2 hours and 8 minutes in the final of the Adelaide International. Lehecka claimed the first ATP title of his career.
Draper did not convert two break points in the third game of the first set. The British player broke Lehecka to love en route to winning the first set 6-4.
Lehecka fended off a break point in the fifth game before breaking serve on his second set point, when Draper was serving to stay in the set at 4-5.
Lehecka broke in the second game to race out to a 3-0 lead. The Czech player saved three break points to hold serve at deuce for 4-1 and closed out the win on his second match point.
Lehecka has become the first Czech player to win an ATP Tour title since Jiri Vesely in Pune in 2020.
Lehecka will face Bernabe Zapata Miralles in his first round match at the Australian Open, where he reached the quarter final last year.
“It’s hard for me to say something, because it is so emotional for me to win my first title in Adelaide. I am 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. I am just healthy and keep playing”, said Lehecka.
Draper has been beaten in a singles final for the second time in an ATP final after losing to Adrian Mannarino at the Sofia Open last year.
“I would like to congratulate Jiri and his coach. 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”, said Draper.
