MATCH REPORT | 2024 United Cup: Novak DJOKOVIC Prevails in hard-fought three-set encounter with Jiri LEHECKA

Novak Djokovic had to battle against Jiri Lehecka to defeat him 6-1, 6-7, 6-1 in the second match of the series between Serbia and the Czech Republic in the United Cup. In the first round, Marketa Vondrousova gave the Czechs an advantage by defeating Olga Danilovic, and they will decide the series in the mixed doubles.

Two days ago, Djokovic defeated Chinese player Zhizhen Zhang 6-3, 6-2, while Lehecka was defeated by the same opponent, Zhang, despite starting with an advantage, ending 5-7, 6-3, 6-4. 'Nole' and Lehecka had no previous matchups.

From the beginning of the match, Djokovic had no trouble stopping Lehecka's aggressive game. The Czech player usually tries to lengthen the points, but 'Nole' dominated the rallies, taking the initiative to close out the points. Lehecka won his first service game, leveling it at 1-1 at the start of the set, but he lost the next five games consecutively. World No. 1 won 55% of the return points and 74% of the points with his service, without facing any break points.

In the second set, Djokovic again took advantage of his first break opportunity and was 3-1 ahead. However, Djokovic experienced a low moment, especially with the first serve, and Lehecka did not give him options in the return. The Czech player won four consecutive games, and at 5-3, he had the opportunity to serve to win the second set. Djokovic did not give up and returned the break. The set extended to the tie-break, where Lehecka surprised 'Nole' with three mini-breaks, ultimately leveling it at 7-6(3).

The Serbian returned to his best level in the third set and did not face any break points. Lehecka achieved an 82% first-service percentage but only won 33% of those points and 0% with the second serve. The 24-time Grand Slam champion sought to approach the net and shorten the points, and the Czech player had no response. With two consecutive breaks, Djokovic closed out the match with a convincing 6-1, 6-7, 6-1.

With the victory for Team Serbia, they leveled the series against the Czech Republic 1-1. In the first match of the day, the 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova faced difficulties but eventually secured the victory 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 against world No. 121 Olga Danilovic. In the mixed doubles, Danilovic and Djokovic will team up to face doubles players Miriam Kodziejova and Petr Nouza.