ATP Brisbane: Jiri Lehecka wins title as Reilly Opelka retires

The 23-year-old Jiri Lehecka made a successful begin to the season! The younger Czech claimed his second ATP title in Brisbane over Reilly Opelka. The American suffered an early break and retired whereas trailing 4-1, ending runner-up in his first ATP remaining in almost three years.

Lehecka conquered Adelaide firstly of 2024. He repeated that at the beginning of the brand new marketing campaign, working onerous through the low season and lifting a trophy within the first week of 2025. Apparently, Jiri acquired two retirements en path to the trophy.

The defending champion, Grigor Dimitrov, couldn’t end their semi-final battle on Saturday. The identical occurred with Opelka immediately, though in a lot sooner vogue! The American reached his seventh ATP remaining following victories over Novak Djokovic and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

Jiri Lehecka & Reilly Opelka, Brisbane 2025© Stream screenshot

Nevertheless, he couldn’t chase his fifth ATP title, dealing with points and retiring after 13 minutes. What this implies for Jiri’s Australian Open possibilities? Effectively, lots! Lehecka added 250 ATP factors and made a big soar on the ATP rating checklist.

The Czech can be among the many top-24 seeds in Melbourne. Thus, he’ll keep away from Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz within the fourth spherical, which all the time helps. Alexei Popyrin is now the strongest participant among the many seeds from the 25-32 group!

Jiri opened the title conflict with a maintain at 30. He made a push on the return in sport two and created three break possibilities. For an illustration, Novak Djokovic earned just one break level towards Opelka in a whole match!

Lehecka was extra environment friendly than the 24-time Main winner, breaking the American at love after Reilly’s unfastened backhand. The youthful participant cemented the lead with a booming serve in sport three, rattling off 12 of the opening 14 factors for 3-0 in seven minutes.

The American served higher within the fourth sport, touchdown a forehand winner and including his title to the scoreboard. Lehecka held at 15 within the fifth sport with a drop shot winner for 4-1 earlier than Opelka retired, ending the ultimate within the worst manner.

Reilly ought to compete in Auckland subsequent week, however it is going to be no shock if he withdraws and skips the duel towards Mariano Navone. Regardless of the ultimate setback, it was an excellent week for the previous world no. 17. He’ll search extra good outcomes on the Australian Open.