Jiri Lehecka battles past Jack Draper to clinch Adelaide International title

Jiri Lehecka claimed his maiden ATP title after battling from a set down against Jack Draper in the final of the Adelaide International.

Lehecka hit 34 winners en route to a hard-fought 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory after two hours and eight minutes on court in what was the pair’s first Lexus ATP Head2Head clash.

With the win, 22-year-old Lehecka became the first Czech to win an ATP title since Jiri Vesely in 2020 and he admitted afterwards that the emotions were running high.

‘’It’s hard for me to say something, because it is so emotional for me to win my first title here in Adelaide,” Lehecka said during the trophy ceremony.

“I’m 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.

‘’Just stay healthy and keep playing.’’

To reward his efforts, Lehecka will move up nine places to a new career high of No. 23 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on Monday, and the win will also serve as a confidence boost as he heads to the Australian Open.

Despite his disappointment, Draper was full of praise for his opponent.

‘’I’d like to congratulate Jiri and his coach,” Draper said.

”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.”

Lehecka will take on Bernabe Zapata Miralles in the first round in Melbourne on Sunday.