Already a top matchup!

Round of 16 of an ATP 250 and we end up with Korda/Lehecka, if that’s not beautiful!

High-level match expected here, we’ve got two players who are often very strong during the Australian swing. They both said more or less the same thing after their first-round wins, talking about how they like the conditions and the Australian “vibe”, so it’s no surprise they play well here. Both put in good performances in the first round: Korda handled a very flat Vacherot, and Lehecka dominated Machac. Despite losing a set, it’s Lehecka who impressed me more. He faced tougher opposition and I feel like I saw his best version again: solid on serve, power off both wings. Korda threw in a few unnecessary double faults and his forehand let him down a bit at times, but he was better than his opponent so he got through. This time he’s got a different challenge in front of him, especially from the baseline. He’s going to be put under more pressure and will have to match a higher level of intensity. Lehecka leads the H2H 2–0, including a very straightforward win in Adelaide in 2024. I’d be surprised if it’s that easy again, but overall I do think he has the game to hurt Korda and stop him from being comfortable on the baseline, which is what he likes.