In the high-stakes arena of the Madrid Open, all eyes are on the upcoming showdown between Rafael Nadal and Jiri Lehecka. While Nadal gets ready to display his incredible abilities, attention is also focused on the 22-year-old Czech player, whose athletic heritage runs deep. As they get closer to their match, curiosity about Lehecka’s background grows.

Jiri Lehecka Jr.’s athletic career began with his parents, Jiri Lehecka Sr. and Romana Lehecka, who provided a strong and encouraging environment. Lehecka’s upbringing in Prague, the Czech Republic, was shaped by his family’s love of sports and a strong emphasis on athletics. In a past interview with ATP, he stated, “I have the genes to be a sportsman. Sport is my passion all the way up and down.”

Under their tutelage, his early enthusiasm for sports developed, and he went on to play tennis assiduously. Subsequently, the Czech tennis player’s father, who was formerly a professional swimmer, has an impressive athletic background. He participated in international swimming contests as a representative of his nation throughout his career, displaying his talent and commitment on a worldwide platform.

Romana Lehecka, on the other hand, is a former track and field athlete who demonstrated her skill by winning multiple awards in her career. As such, Jiri’s interest in tennis began at the age of three when he observed his grandmother instructing his older sister Veronika in the game.

Further, the 22-year-old was so intrigued by what he witnessed that he wanted to play tennis himself. But tennis didn’t become important in his life until he reached 15 and relocated to Prostejov. He then started her career of training and competition at Prostejov, where he competed and represented the Czech Republic in a variety of tennis events.

Jiri Lehecka stated, “Back in the days when I was playing tennis back home, it was only about enjoyment and I never had big ambitions to become a pro. For me, it has always been like a hobby and to do some sports that I liked.” However, the 31st-ranked player had a lot of tennis idols growing up, including Roger Federer among them.

Rafael Nadal’s opponent Jiri Lehechka idolizes Roger Federer

A few years back, the young star revealed how he looked up to the 20-time Grand Slam champion while growing up. Lehecka also found motivation in watching other Czech sportsmen, such as Radek Štěpánek and Tomas Berdych. “When I was a kid I was looking up to Tomas Berdych for sure because Davis Cup 2012 and 2013 when Czech team won both times it was an incredible experience for me to see it with my own eyes. You know, how they played, how they won in front of 20,000 Czech fans,” Lehecka raved.

Comparing himself to his 37-year-old Spanish opponent, Lehecka finds similarities between the veteran athlete’s game and his own in terms of physicality, playing style, and technical skill. Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on the 22-year-old tennis player’s athletic background? Do let us know in the comment section below.

Trending

Andy Roddick Uses Aryna Sabalenka’s Rock Bottom Phase to Console Coco Gauff Amid On-Court Struggles

May 14, 2024 08:23 PM EDT

Italian Open: Coco Gauff’s Glaring Weakness Leaves Andy Roddick No Choice but to Write Her Off Against Iga Swiatek

May 16, 2024 05:50 AM EDT

‘Never Seen a Sport Self Sabotage Like This’- American Tennis Fans Disgruntled by Danielle Collins, Victoria Azarenka, and Others Not Finding a Streaming Slot

May 14, 2024 12:58 PM EDT

Roger Federer Turns Teary Eyed Over Wife Mirka Breaking 15-Year Long Silence for His Upcoming Documentary

May 15, 2024 05:45 AM EDT

Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach Rushes to Coco Gauff’s Defence Against a Nasty Troll Belittling Her US Open Glory

May 15, 2024 12:30 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us