Stefanos Tsitsipas sails into Australian Open semi-final over Lehecka

Just like the last time they played, Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Jiri Lehecka to advance to the semi-final of the Australian Open after 3 sets 6-3 7-6(2) 6-4.

Tsitsipas and Lehecka played once before and it was a close match. This was too but every time it came down to the most important points it was Tsitsipas who proved better. The score makes it seem rather comfortable but it really wasn't as the Czech player had plenty of chances in the match.

Somewhat of a nervous start by Lehecka gave Tsitsipas an early break which he held to take the set 6-3. It wasn't a very good set serving-wise for Lehecka and that was a problem. The second set was a much better set by the Czech player as he served better and didn't face any break points. He had 5 break points but failed to convert either and ultimately lost in the tiebreak 7-2.

Those crucial points really were key in this match as the overwhelming majority was won by Tsitsipas. Lehecka tried to be more aggressive in those moments but he wasn't as sharp as in previous days. The final set showed more of the same as he had three break points but once again failed to convert any.

Tsitsipas had one late in the match at 5-4 which was actually a match point and he converted it thanks to another unforced error by Lehecka.