European Open: Lehecka reaches his third final of the year
Jiri Lehecka defeated Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6 (3), 7-6 (7) on Saturday afternoon. He’ll play the winner of the match between Belgian wildcard Raphael Collignon and Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, the second seed, in the final
Jiri Lehecka, Brussels 2025 – © European Open
Czech Jiri Lehecka, the No 3 seed, won against Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, the No 5 seed, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (7) to advance to the final of the European Open at the ING Arena in Antwerp on Saturday afternoon.
It’s the sixth time in his career that Jiri Lehecka has reached this stage of an ATP event. On Sunday, the Czech will contest his third final of 2025, after lifting the trophy in Brisbane and finishing runner-up on the grass at Queen’s.
Rock-solid on serve, the world No. 17 didn’t face a single break point on Saturday in Brussels. He couldn’t capitalize on his own chances either, missing two break points at 5-4 in the opening set against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who blasted 19 aces.
LEHECKA SAVES A SET POINT
Lehecka held his nerve in both tie-breaks, showing greater composure under pressure. He even had to fend off a set point at 8-7 in the second-set tie-break to seal victory in straight sets and avoid a deciding third.
Lehecka, ranked No 17, will play the winner of the match between Belgian wildcard Raphael Collignon and Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, the second seed, next.
The Czech benefited from the abandonment of Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi (6-7 (8), 6-1, 4-1) and defeated Belgian qualifier Gilles Arnaud Bailly (6-3, 6-2) ahead of his victory.
In the previous rounds of the Brussels tournament, Mpetshi Perricard, ranked No 37, beat Italian Lorenzo Musetti, the top seed (6-4, 7-6 (8)), Georgian qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili (7-5, 0-0 ret.) and Finn Emil Ruusuvuori (7-6 (4), 6-7 (5), 6-4).
Antwerp ATP 250, other semi-final result (ING Arena, hard, EUR 706.850):
- Raphael Collignon vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime
