Who is Jiri Lehecka, the rising star who stunned Carlos Alcaraz?

Although the Czech player did not make it to the Qatar Open final, losing to Jack Draper in a hard-fought match, he still managed to make waves in the tennis world.

Lehecka is only 23, but like many of his talented peers, he remains in the shadow of the more successful Alcaraz and Sinner, who already have seven Grand Slam titles between them. This victory over the Spaniard is significant — it proves that their dominance can be challenged, making the tennis tour even more exciting. Alcaraz can be beaten, and it remains unclear in what form (mentally and physically) the Italian will return after his suspension.

Jiri has long been recognized in tennis circles as a promising young talent. He proved this when he broke into the top 30 at just 20 years old. With his victory over Alcaraz, he will continue to climb the rankings, moving from 25th to 23rd place.

Like many talented players, his progress has been hindered by injuries. He frequently has to withdraw from tournaments, and last year, he was sidelined for four months. However, he’s back and ready to compete in 2025, showing his determination. He has already secured a title in Brisbane and reached the fourth round of the Australian Open, where only Novak Djokovic was able to stop him.

While the final in Qatar didn’t materialize, his victory over a top-10 player did. And such wins always boost confidence on the court. The Czech player is intriguing overall. He’s psychologically steady, never displaying wild emotions on the court. Additionally, he possesses a well-honed technique.

Jiri Lehecka is known for his ability to combine a powerful serve with a high tempo, allowing him to attack effectively on the second shot.

His forehand is particularly dangerous, even against top players. When in peak form, Lehecka is the kind of player who can force even Jannik Sinner into deep defense, disrupting his usual attacking style. He’s also an excellent half-court player, with a well-rounded arsenal of shots — including great slides and incredibly accurate play at the net.

Overall, if the Czech player continues at this pace, he’s sure to surprise us in 2025.

Cover photo: instagram.com/luxtennis