Felix Auger-Aliassime has been tremendous at the 2024 Madrid Open so far, but can he keep it going against Jiri Lehecka?
This matchup isn't one people expected to see so far into the Madrid Open, but it happened. Auger-Aliassime once again played at a really decent level in Madrid, beating some really top players, like Casper Ruud, ahead of this match.
He won't face Jannik Sinner on the courts, as the Italian withdrew before that match, which is a shame as it would be a great test for him to see where he stands. Lehecka has quietly put together an impressive week of tennis as well.
He first bested Rafael Nadal comfortably, holding his nerve in a really tricky moment. Then, he benefitted from Daniil Medvedev's withdrawal, and now he has a chance to make the final of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament.
Lehecka and Auger-Aliassime have only played once before, at last year's Australian Open. The Czech won that match in four sets, so he has experience beating the Canadian. He also has a favorable matchup because I think he's a bit more stable with his baseline play.
One thing that might benefit Auger-Aliassime is his serve, which is better than Lehecka's, especially when he has a good day. That could prove crucial in this matchup.
| Felix Auger-Aliassime | Jiri Lehecka | |
| 0 | H2H | 1 |
| 35 | Rank | 31 |
| 23 | Age | 22 |
| 15-10 | 2024 W/L | 17-8 |
| 198-132 | Career W/L | 64-55 |
If we look at the way both of them have played so far this week, I find Auger-Aliassime to be the more impressive player. If they both find their top level from this week, then Auger-Aliassime should win.
He's having one of those weeks when the serve and return are equally good and he's very tough to beat when that happens.
Prediction: Felix Auger-Aliassime to win in two sets.