Jiri Lehecka is currently running the show in Cincinnati. The 22-year-old Czech tennis star recently made a comeback to the Tour and what a comeback it has been so far! He last played at the 2024 Madrid Open in May. However, in Cincinnati, he has already downed Daniil Medvedev in the R32. Lehecka is now all set to take on America’s Frances Tiafoe in the R16. Will he come up with another stellar performance against ‘Big Foe’?

Frances Tiafoe vs Jiri Lehecka: Preview

Tiafoe has been quite impressive this year, but still, he has failed to win a title. His best performances have been reaching the final in Houston and making it through to two SFs and four QFs in his previous tournament. Coming back to Cincinnati, Tiafoe defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the first round, before going past Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti by 6-3,6-2 in the second round. Can he now complete a hat-trick of wins?

Tiafoe’s opponent in the next match, Lehecka started the season pretty well by winning a title in Adelaide. After that, he also reached one SF and two QFs in his previous tournaments. At Cincinnati, the Czech toppled Argentina’s Mariano Navone in the first round by two sets, but one of the biggest results of his career came in the second round, as he beat the world no. 5 Daniil Medvedev by 7-6(2),6-4 in the R32 clash. Has Tiafoe met this ‘Giant-Killer’ before, though?

Tiafoe vs Lehecka: Head-to-Head

Yes, they have played against each other once so far in their careers. Tiafoe had the last laugh in his first meeting against Lehecka and he will now be keen to repeat a similar fate in his favorite North American hard-court swing.

• 2023 Stuttgart Open R16: Tiafoe 7-6(2),6-4.

Prediction: Tiafoe to win in three sets

Tiafoe’s form this season and the support from the home crowd will give him a slight edge in the epic encounter. Although Lehecka has already won a title this year and has a win-loss record of 19-10 compared to the 21-19 of Tiafoe, the American’s consistency this season has truly been very impressive. Tiafoe’s aggressive offensive game may come in handy against someone like Lehecka.

Both these players love to serve big and have a strong forehand in their armory. Tiafoe’s forehand carries heavy topspin and is driven by an unusual arm motion. It’ll be interesting to see how well the youngster counters these shots in the match. Tiafoe is also a good returner of the serve and interestingly at Cincinnati, he has looked quite proficient in the net as well. He approached the net 20 times and won 70% of the net points against Musetti. So, that’s a new worry looming for Lehecka.

Talking about the Czech’s strengths and weaknesses, the 22-year-old is one of the cleanest strikers on the Tour. He can hit big from both sides and his lightning forehand is his biggest weapon. His ability to keep his composure against someone like Medvedev was really impressive. However, he struggled a bit returning the serve in that match.

According to the overall record for this season, Lehecka has won 85% of his service games and just 20% of his return games so far. So, considering all factors, ‘Big Foe’ looks to be the real favorite on American soil at the moment.