Injury-Ridden Madrid Open: Jiri LEHECKA’s retirement sends Felix AUGER-ALIASSIME into final
ATPFriday, 03 May 2024 at 20:54
Felix
Auger-Aliassime (No. 35) advanced to the final of the Madrid Open after Jiri
Lehecka (No. 31) retired due to a back injury. The second semifinal witnessed
another withdrawal in an eventful Madrid Open, where injuries have been
abundant in the final stages of the tournament.
The Czech
player had progressed after Daniil Medvedev's retirement during their
quarterfinal match. The Russian managed to play only five games before
suffering physical discomfort that forced him to retire at the end of the first
set.
On the
other side, Auger-Aliassime didn't even have to take to the court to face
Jannik Sinner, who also had physical issues and decided to withdraw from the
tournament to focus on the Rome Open next week.
There
wasn't much action in the match. Both players dominated with their serves in
the early games, and Lehecka easily saved a break point against him in the
third game. At 3-3, a medical time-out was called for Lehecka, who was
struggling with his back.
Read also
Auger-Aliassime will play his first final of the year
After just
over 8 minutes of a break, Lehecka returned to the court, but he only played
three points before collapsing in clear discomfort from the pain in his back,
forcing him to retire before finishing the game and granting Felix
Auger-Aliassime passage to his first Masters 1000 final.
Luck has
been on the Canadian's side in Madrid these weeks. Of the six matches that led
him to the final, he advanced three times due to his opponents' injuries.
First, in the third round, where he was leading 6-1, 1-0 against Jakub Mensik
before the young Czech retired due to injury.
Later in
the quarterfinals, Sinner did not show up to play, so Auger-Aliassime advanced
directly to the semifinals, where only six games were played before he reached
his first Masters 1000 final. On Sunday, competing for the title will be Andrey
Rublev, who easily defeated Taylor Fritz with a score of 6-4, 6-3.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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