Lehecka ends Mannarino's run and earns first US Open quarterfinal berth

The first men's quarterfinalist at the US Open is now known. It is Jiri Lehecka, who emerged victorious from his duel against Adrian Mannarino this Sunday (7-6, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2).

Initially overpowered by Mannarino's play, Lehecka managed to turn the tide by erasing his break deficit, before unsuccessfully chasing three set points. But in the tie-break, the Czech player capitalized on his opponent's mistakes to string together six consecutive points (from 1-4 to 7-4) and take the first set.

Very aggressive and with strong success at the net (35/47 points won), the world No. 21 continued his momentum.

Mannarino, down two sets to love, tried to mount a comeback by easily taking the third set, but he began to show physical strain, requiring on-court treatment for a thigh issue.

Lehecka's 55 winners proved too much for the French veteran, who conceded defeat after a 3-hour, 13-minute battle on Louis Armstrong Stadium.

For the first time since the 2023 Australian Open, Lehecka reaches the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam. He will face either Carlos Alcaraz, whom he defeated earlier this year in Doha, or Arthur Rinderknech.

This win also secures his entry into the top 20, with a live ranking of No. 15.