Jiri Lehecka attributes a pivotal hospital experience during injury rehab as transformative in helping him reach his second Grand Slam quarterfinal at the US Open with a more mature outlook.
The Czech 20th seed is set to face Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday after overcoming Adrian Mannarino 7-6(4) 6-4 2-6 6-2, setting up a rematch with a player he defeated earlier this year in Doha’s quarterfinals.
“He’s undoubtedly one of the top challenges in tennis,” Lehecka remarked about the five-time major champion. “We’ve never met on a Grand Slam stage before.”
Lehecka’s insights on personal growth shed light on his evolution since his first major quarterfinal at the 2023 Australian Open.
The 23-year-old shared how a hospital visit during his injury last year shifted his perspective on tennis and life fundamentally.
“While receiving treatment, I saw very sick kids enjoying life despite their conditions. Meanwhile, I felt like it was the end of the world for me just because my back hurt,” Lehecka recounted.
“That moment marked a turning point. Since then, I’ve cherished winning and improving every day, but without unnecessary pressure on the court.”
Lehecka heads into the New York quarterfinal with a previous win over Alcaraz, though trailing 1-2 in their encounters after a loss at Queen’s Club.
“Facing someone like Carlos, you need to deliver your best,” he said. “I aim to stay focused throughout and play my game.”
Alcaraz, a 22-year-old five-time Grand Slam champion, overcame Arthur Rinderknech 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 6-4 in a challenging match on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain returns against Arthur Rinderknech of France.
“I believe my tennis style aligns with New York’s energy,” said Alcaraz, who hasn’t dropped a set yet in the tournament.
“The energy is unique here, whether it’s day or night sessions. The crowd is always present, which elevates my game,” he added.
Alcaraz’s victory inches him closer to a potential semifinal against tennis legend Novak Djokovic.
In the women’s draw, last year’s finalist Jessica Pegula admitted her surprise at advancing into the second week.
Pegula entered New York following a poor run, exiting early in WTA events in Washington, Montreal, and Cincinnati during the North American hardcourt season.
However, the 31-year-old American decisively defeated compatriot Ann Li 6-1, 6-2 in just 54 minutes.
“I felt awful coming into this tournament,” Pegula confessed afterward.
She mentioned a pre-tournament night out with friends at an escape room that helped her adopt a more relaxed approach.
“We did an escape room, had a couple of drinks, and I realized I needed to relax and stop overthinking practices,” she shared.
Pegula will face either fellow American Taylor Townsend or unseeded Czech Barbora Krejcikova in the quarterfinals.
If seedings hold, Pegula could face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a semifinal rematch of last year’s final.
Sabalenka proved too strong for unseeded Spaniard Cristina Bucsa, winning 6-1 6-4 in the round of 16.
