Australian Open: Lehecka ends Bonzi's run in the third round

Jiri Lehecka eliminates a second French player in this Australian Open 2025.

After taking advantage of Hugo Gaston's withdrawal in the previous round, the Czech, in confident mood after his title in Brisbane at the start of the season, confirms that he likes playing in Australia.

This time, the number 24 seed in Melbourne dominated Benjamin Bonzi in three sets (6-2, 6-3, 6-3 in 1h47 of play).

Highly effective on his face-offs (9 aces, only 1 double fault and two break points saved out of two conceded), Lehecka, 23, had reached the quarter-finals in 2023 and will have the opportunity to match his best Grand Slam performance in the next round.

To do so, however, he will have to overcome Novak Djokovic, who defeated Tomas Machac in three sets.

With a back injury sustained in the semi-final of last year's Madrid Masters 1000, the Czech missed several months of competition but is now back to full fitness.

Lehecka is unbeaten since the start of the season, with eight wins from as many matches, and will be looking for the most prestigious victory of his career in the next round.

As for Bonzi, he leaves Melbourne before the second week.

With the clash between Humbert and Fils, there will be just three French players left in the Australian Open at the end of the day (Moutet and Monfils will play their third round matches on Saturday against Tien and Fritz).