Jiri Lehecka stuns top seed Carlos Alcaraz in Doha quarters

Field Level Media|published: Thu 20th February, 15:37 2025

Jiri Lehecka, of Czech Republic, reacts after winning a point against Frances Tiafoe, of the United States, during the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024.

Jiri Lehecka knocked off top-seeded Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday to advance to the semifinals of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha.

The 23-year-old Czech trailed 4-2 in the third set before rallying to win 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. Lehecka struck eight aces and converted 4 of 8 break chances to secure the first Top 3 win of his career.

Lehecka will play eighth-seeded Jack Draper of Great Britain or Italy's Matteo Berrettini on Friday. Also advancing were No. 5 seed Andrey Rublev of Russia, a 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (8) winner over No. 2 Alex de Minaur of Australia; and Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime, who was up 6-3 when No. 4 Daniil Medvedev of Russia retired due to what he said was food poisoning.

--Field Level Media