Jiri Lehecka began to show some heads in the direction of the tip of 2022 with a run to the title match of the NextGen Finals.
Nonetheless, he popped onto everybody’s radar with a run to the quarterfinals within the Australian Open that noticed him defeat Borna Coric, Chris Eubanks, Cam Norrie, and Felix Auger Aliassime earlier than bowing out in opposition to Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Lehecka would comply with up his efficiency in Melbourne with a visit to the semifinals in Doha after which an honest efficiency on the Miami Masters.
Issues have slowed down for the 21-year-old since then, however that’s not surprising for a younger participant throughout the European clay-court season.
However the clay season is now firmly within the rear-view, and Lehecka ought to benefit from the change to grass courts.
Like most younger gamers, the native of Czechia doesn’t have a lot expertise on the floor, however he’s 2-1 in three matches on the garden this 12 months.
He’s coming off a win in opposition to the always-dangerous Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Lehecka will take a major step up in weight class on Thursday. He’s a +360 underdog in opposition to World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz within the Spherical of 16 at Queen’s Membership.
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jiri Lehecka prediction
(9:40 a.m. ET.)
As with Lehecka, it’s going to take a while for Alcaraz to get used to grass-court tennis.
That was clearly evident on Tuesday when the Spanish wunderkind wanted to return again from a set all the way down to defeat World No. 83 Arthur Rinderknech 4-6, 7-5, 7-6(3) at Queen’s Membership.
That is simply Alcaraz’s third tour-level grass-court occasion and the primary one outdoors of Wimbledon, and it was clear that Alcaraz wanted to determine the nuances of enjoying on the garden.
Alcaraz appeared to seek out his recreation within the second set, however then wanted to battle from a break all the way down to pressure the third set to a tie-breaker.
All in all, it took two hours and 34 minutes for Alcaraz to get the job accomplished.
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On a distinct floor and at a distinct time — Alcaraz is simply weeks faraway from a heartbreaking loss to Novak Djokovic within the French Open semifinals — the Spaniard could be anticipated to roll over Lehecka, however it is a difficult spot for the reigning US Open champion.
Alcaraz is utilizing this match to get some extra reps on the grass forward of Wimbledon and is a susceptible favourite in opposition to harmful opponents like Lehecka.
The over 21.5 (-134, BetRivers) video games is definitely in play as this match figures to have some twists and turns, however Lehecka is nicely price a shot as an honest underdog on Thursday.
Queen’s tennis decide
Jiri Lehecka +380 (FanDuel)