Adelaide International: Sebastian Korda vs Jiri Lehecka Preview; Head-to-Head; and Prediction

Earlier today, American fans experienced a bitter-sweet moment at the Adelaide International. The top seed at the tournament, Tommy Paul, suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of Jack Draper. Sebastian Korda salvaged some pride as he continued his winning run. Following disappointment in Brisbane, Korda has come back strongly before the Australian Open. However, he will have his task cut out when he faces Czech’s Jiri Lehecka next at the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre in Adelaide, Australia on Friday 12th January 2024.

Korda is aiming to make it big at the Grand Slam. For that, he needs some confidence ahead of the major tournament and Adelaide provides the perfect stage for him to do so.

Sebastian Korda vs Jiri Lehecka: Preview

Korda didn’t have the best of start to the 2024 season as he lost in the opening round at the Brisbane International. He is the third seed here in Adelaide and was handed a bye in the opening round. Subsequently, he squared off against Lorenzo Sonego in the second round and had a comfortable straight-set victory over the Italian. Earlier today, he defeated the local star, Christopher O’Connell in straight sets again.

Sebastian hasn’t lost yet a set in this tournament to win 55% of the points he played. Korda has a solid match record in the last 9 years having won 61% of his matches (213-138) and 2-1 on hard in 2024. In connection with his performance on the same surface of this event, Korda has an aggregate 84-57 record in the last 9 years.

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On the other hand, Lehecka hasn’t had the easiest of outings like Korda. While he defeated Adam Walton in straight sets in the first round, he required three sets to prevail over Dusan Lajovic in the second round. However, Lehecka’s best tennis came in the quarterfinals when he shocked the second seed, Nicolas Jarry, in straight sets. Jiri has conceded 1 set in the tournament to win 55% of the points he played.

The American broke his opponents 5 times with a 45% conversion rate. He conceded his serve twice and he saved 75% of the breakpoints that he conceded. The Czech broke his opponents 11 times with a 42% conversion rate. He conceded his serve 4 times and he saved 76% of the break points that he conceded.

Korda vs Lehecka: Head-to-Head

Both Korda and Lehecka are young stars and haven’t been on the tour for long. While Korda is 23 years old, Lehecka is a year younger than him. The two haven’t faced each other yet on the ATP Tour and tomorrow’s match will be their first meeting. As a result, unpredictability can be a huge factor in their match. It promises to be an exciting semi-final clash that can go on either side.

Prediction: Korda to stop Lehecka’s giant run

Despite Lehecka being the dark horse capable of winning the tournament following his massive win over the second seed, his run might come to an end against his American opponent. Korda is back to his best and will potentially win his match in three sets.

It will be an important match for both players, considering the Australian Open starts next week. Who are you putting your bets on in this contest? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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