In a gripping first-round match at the ATP Masters in Rome on May 7, 2025, Jiří Lehečka faced off against Frenchman Alexandre Müller, ultimately falling short after a valiant effort that spanned over two and a half hours. The match concluded with a score of 6:2, 3:6, 7:6 (7:5) in favor of Müller, marking yet another disappointment for the young Czech player.
Lehečka, who is just 23 years old, has now lost three matches in a row and seven out of his last eight, casting a shadow over what began as a promising season. His early form had included a second career title and a notable victory against Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, but recent performances have seen him struggle significantly.
Entering the match unseeded, Lehečka was up against Müller, the world number 39, in a contest that pitted two players with closely ranked ATP standings against each other. The Czech player started strong, breaking Müller twice to take a commanding 4:0 lead in the first set. With a display of powerful serving that included three aces, Lehečka secured the first set 6:2 after just half an hour of play.
However, the tide turned in the second set. Müller, adjusting his strategy, began to find his rhythm, while Lehečka struggled to maintain his earlier momentum. The Frenchman capitalized on Lehečka's service games, breaking him three times to level the match at one set apiece, taking the second set 6:3.
As the deciding set unfolded, Lehečka initially regained his composure, taking a 4:2 lead. Yet, just as it seemed he might clinch the match, disaster struck. With the score at 4:4, rain interrupted play for an hour, adding to the tension. When the players returned to the court, Lehečka had two match points during Müller’s serve in the 10th game but failed to convert either opportunity.
The match then proceeded to a tie-break, where Müller seized the initiative, winning the first four points. Although Lehečka fought back, reducing the deficit to 5:6, he ultimately succumbed to pressure, ending the match with a double fault on the final point, sealing his fate.
"It’s disappointing to lose like this, especially after starting so well. I had my chances, but I just couldn’t close it out," Lehečka reflected post-match, acknowledging the frustration of his current form.
While Lehečka's struggles were evident, the absence of fellow Czech player Markéta Vondroušová added to the somber mood for Czech tennis fans. Vondroušová withdrew from the tournament due to ongoing health issues, specifically a hand injury that has kept her off the court since February. The former Wimbledon champion expressed her disappointment on social media, stating, "I tried to prepare, but I’m just not ready yet. I hope to be back next year in Rome."
As for Lehečka, the path ahead looks challenging. With only one win in his last seven matches, questions arise about his ability to regain his form before the upcoming French Open, which starts on May 25. The pressure is on, and fans will be watching closely to see if he can turn things around.
Lehečka’s next steps will be critical as he aims to bounce back from this latest defeat. Meanwhile, fellow Czech players like Vít Kopřiva and Kateřina Siniaková are set to compete, providing a glimmer of hope for Czech supporters at the tournament. Kopřiva will face Frenchman Quentin Halys, while Siniaková is scheduled to take on Serbian Olga Danilović.
As the ATP Masters in Rome continues, the spotlight will remain on Lehečka and his quest to reclaim his competitive edge. With the clay court season in full swing, fans are eager to see if he can harness the support of his home crowd and find success in the matches to come.
