Jiri Lehecka advanced to his second ATP Masters 1000 semi-final on Wednesday at the Miami Open, stopping the breakthrough run of 20-year-old Spanish qualifier Martin Landaluce with a 7-6(1), 7-5 victory.
The Czech closed out the match in two hours and two minutes on Stadium Court, raising his level late in both sets. In their first meeting, Lehecka created 10 break chances to Landaluce’s one and finally broke serve in the 12th game of the second set to seal the win. He had earlier defeated a Top 10 opponent, Taylor Fritz, in the fourth round.
Lehecka’s Remarkable Journey
Lehecka had not gone beyond the quarter-finals at any event this season before Miami. He previously reached a Masters 1000 semi-final in Madrid in 2024, where he retired at 3-3 in the opening set due to a back injury. The two-time tour-level champion will face Tommy Paul or Arthur Fils in Friday’s semi-final. His run lifts him six places to No. 16 in the ATP Live Rankings, matching his career best.
Landaluce’s performance marked several milestones. He became the lowest-ranked Miami quarter-finalist since World No. 185 Jim Grabb in 1994 and the first player born in 2006 or later to reach a Masters 1000 quarter-final. The Spaniard, who qualified for the main draw, defeated three Top 50 players to reach the last eight and climbs 48 spots to No. 103 in the live rankings.
This thrilling match not only showcased Lehecka’s skill and tenacity but also highlighted the emergence of young talent like Landaluce in the competitive world of tennis. As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly await the next matchups that promise more excitement and stellar performances.