Lehecka topples top seed Rublev in Qatar

There was an upset to start the day at the Qatar Open as Jiri Lehecka removed top seed Andrey Rublev

Jiri Lehecka (AI/Reuters/Panoramic)

February 23, 2023

21-year-old Jiri Lehecka secured the biggest win of his young career so far by ranking as he took out top seed and world No 5 Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals of the Qatar Open.

He now moves into his second career ATP Tour semi-final following Rotterdam last year, where he lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Lehecka with the biggest win of his career by ranking… 🙌

He takes down top seed Rublev in Doha, soaring into the semi-finals with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 result 💪@qatartennis | #Qemo2023 pic.twitter.com/Us2c5598wo
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 23, 2023

It follows his first-ever Grand Slam quarter-final last month in Australia, after beating Felix Auger-Aliassime, and his success at the 2022 Next Gen finals, where he finished as runner-up.

“These two months are very great for me,” he said after beating Rublev. “I’m very happy with the win and very looking forward to tomorrow.”

He added: “I have improved everything! But mostly my mentality on the court, I’ve gained confidence through the Next Gen and learned how to use it.”