The Czech only managed to play six matches and had to retire due to back pain.
Jiri Lehecka (31st) experienced a real nightmare this Friday. The 22-year-old Czech faced Félix Auger-Aliassime (35th) in the semi-final of the Madrid Masters , after leaving behind giants like Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev. However, That day, his back wanted something else.
In the fifth game the European showed serious physical problems. When he was to return to his Canadian rival, he remained completely motionless. The score was tied at 3-3. Lehecka, frustrated, walked to his chair and, After a conversation with the kinesiologist, he left the field to seek treatment.
Many thought he would not return to the game and would only return to say goodbye. However, he returned to Madrid clay and put himself in a position to compete. Of course, unfortunately, he only extended his torture. Once again, when he had to respond to a shot from Auger-Aliassime to his left, he simply couldn’t move and fell.
The crowd quickly applauded him, but the match was already over. Lehecka walked to the center of the field, throwing away his wristbands, in obvious discomfort. On the network, he and the Canadian, also confused by what was happening, hugged each other sincerely.
The European took his things and quickly left the field, while distributing his equipment to the public.
Auger-Aliassime and an incredible affair
Thus, the original Montrealer enters the tournament final in an unusual way. Not only did he have to play little to win in the semi-final, but also because to reach this stage, out of the four matches he had to play on paper, he only finished one on the field : Jakub Mensik withdrew during their third round meeting, then Jannik Sinner sat out the quarterfinals due to hip problems and, this Friday, what happened to Lehecka.
The grand final will take place next Sunday and they will face Russian Andrey Rublev.
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Source: Latercera
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