“I couldn’t let him have time”: Jiri Lehecka explains strategy behind first Masters 1000 final

Jiri Lehecka’s run to the final of the Miami Open marks a defining moment in his career, with the Czech securing his first appearance in a Masters 1000 title match after a controlled and tactically clear semi-final victory over Arthur Fils. At 24, Lehecka is guaranteed a new career-high ranking of No. 14, with the possibility of climbing to No. 12 should he lift the title.

The result carries additional weight given his history at this level. Two years ago, Lehecka reached his first Masters 1000 semi-final in Madrid, only to be forced to retire early against Felix Auger-Aliassime due to injury. This time, on hard courts in Miami, he completed the job physically and tactically, producing one of the most complete performances of his season.

His progression also adds context to a career that has been building steadily rather than explosively. Lehecka has now reached six ATP finals, winning two titles, including Brisbane International 2025, where he defeated Reilly Opelka. However, this marks his first final at Masters 1000 level, a step that reflects both consistency and adaptation across surfaces.

The semi-final itself was shaped by a clear tactical framework, particularly on return. Facing one of the most aggressive forehands in the draw, Lehecka prioritised early control of rallies, limiting Fils’ ability to dictate from the baseline while maintaining strong serving numbers of his own throughout the match.

Lehecka’s approach against Fils was defined by first-strike intent, particularly on return. The Czech broke serve four times, consistently applying pressure in the opening shots of rallies and preventing the Frenchman from establishing rhythm. It was a deliberate adjustment based on familiarity, as the pair were meeting for the fourth time on tour.

“I played against Arthur a couple of weeks ago. This was our fourth meeting, so we kind of know each other," Lehecka said to Tennis Channel. "I knew and I felt that today would be very important to start each point very well and to get him under the pressure since the first ball. It doesn't matter whether I was serving or returning. I knew that he cannot have his own time with his forehand because that would be a massive problem for me.”

The execution of that plan was supported by efficiency on serve. Lehecka landed 73% of first serves and won 82% of those points, maintaining scoreboard pressure while controlling the tempo of exchanges. Even in moments where his first serve percentage dipped, he showed the ability to recover within games.

“And on my service games, I was just trying to do what I was doing the whole week. When it's going well, it's easy. But what I'm very happy about, even this week, there were some moments when I wasn't feeling great. First two, three points didn't go how I wanted with my serve. But the important thing is that I kind of bounced back and helped myself again with the first serve in the end of each game.”

Beyond the tactical layer, Lehecka highlighted a shift in mentality depending on match context. Unlike earlier rounds, where he entered as favourite, the semi-final against Fils required a different internal framing, particularly given the stakes of reaching a first Masters 1000 final.

His ability to manage that transition — balancing pressure with clarity — reflected a broader development in his competitive approach, supported in part by work with a mental coach and increased awareness of in-match dynamics. “These two matches were very different. Against Martin, I felt that I'm the one who is the favourite. Today I felt it's more like a 50-50 match. We both knew what to expect from each other. I knew that I just need to focus on myself most of the time. And at the same time, just enjoy that you are in the semifinal.”

That composure has been particularly relevant given the trajectory of his season. Lehecka entered 2026 without strong early results, struggling in Australia while managing the after-effects of an injury sustained in his opening match of the year. The turnaround since then has been built less on immediate results and more on accumulated work.

Lehecka’s Miami run is rooted in a longer process that extends beyond recent matches. After a disrupted start to the year, he emphasised continuity in preparation, both on court and physically, as the foundation for his current level.

The consistency of that approach — rather than short-term adjustments — has been central to his progression back into contention at the top level, particularly in a draw that has demanded sustained physical and mental performance across rounds.

“My start to this year wasn't very good. In Australia, I wasn't playing good tennis,” the 24-year-old Czech said. “I was coming back from an injury that happened to me in the first match of this year. But I knew that even my preseason and the weeks after Australia were very Good”

“I was practicing a lot, spending a lot of hours on the court and also in the gym. So I knew that a few matches will not go your way, but the work is there. The work will not disappear. So just keep doing what you're doing and the result will come.”

That process has now translated into a career-defining opportunity. Awaiting him in the final is either Jannik Sinner or Alexander Zverev — both established at this level — but Lehecka’s position reflects a player arriving with clarity in both structure and execution. “I will just try to do what I do the best. I will just try to play my game, and we will see how it goes.”