Madrid Open 2024: Daniil Medvedev vs Jiri Lehecka; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

Daniil Medvedev and Jiri Lehecka have set themselves up for a quarterfinal clash in the Madrid Open. Last week, both have shown amazing performances, with Medvedev continuing his great form. Aside from the Monte-Carlo Masters, Medvedev has managed to reach two semifinals and one final.

On the other hand, Lehecka has managed a great run on clay and has achieved his best result in any clay Masters he has played. The 22-year-old will be looking to gain an even better record.

Daniil Medvedev vs Jiri Lehecka: Preview

Medvedev has defeated Matteo Arnaldi 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, Sebastian Korda 5-6, 7-6, 6-3 and Alexander Bublik 7-6, 6-4 so far in Madrid. He has served 10 aces and 8 double faults in his matches so far. Against Bublik, he won 68% of the points on the first serve and 65% on the second serve. He took 3 out of 4 break points while only allowing Bublik to take 2. 

Lehecka beat Hamad Medjedovic 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, Sebastian Korda 5-7, 7-6, 6-3 and Rafael Nadal 7-5, 6-4. The Czechia’s confidence in clay is likely sky-high as he managed to beat the King of Clay by hitting 7 aces and 1 double fault. He won 2 out of 5 break points and did not allow himself to be broken even once. Lehecka won an astounding 88% of points on the first serve and now looks to recreate the feat against Medvedev. 

Medvedev vs Lehecka: Head-to-Head

Medvedev and Lehecka have played against each other once on the ATP Tour. Their match took place in the Wimbledon round of 16, which ended with Lehecka giving Medvedev a walkover after 6-4, 6-2. The two have a chance to battle it out after their previous battle ended with Lehecka injured. Medvedev lead on the fast surface and will have to deal with the player who beat Nadal.

Prediction: Medvedev to reach his first Madrid semifinal

It is no secret that Daniil Medvedev is not a fan of clay. But since he won the 2023 Italian Open, the Russian player has seemingly warmed up to the surface. At the very least, he tolerates it now, which means he plays his best, and beating Medvedev at his best is no easy task. His form in the last three matches has shown that he is ready to run far in the Spanish capital.

Medvedev fumbled at some points, but he was happy to stay consistent against Bublik. “Generally I felt like it was a good level. Some good points, some good serving and some bad serving. So it was a bit up and down, but I’m happy that I was able to stay more consistent and win it in the end,” he said after the match.

Although he has the chance of victory, it will not be an easy task against Jiri Lehecka, who is coming off of beating Nadal. With it being Nadal’s final Madrid Open, Lehecka had to not only battle him but the crowd as well, and he emerged victorious. Lehecka has a fantastic serve at the moment, which is Medvedev’s Achilles heal. His net game is also on a roll, which can be another weapon against Medvedev who likes to stand far behind the baseline.

He can use his serve as an advantage against the Russian player, but most of the game will be in Medvedev’s hand. Who do you think will reach their first semifinal in the Madrid Open and play Felix Auger-Aliassime?