Jiri Lehecka reaches Miami Open semifinals

The Czech player defeats qualifier Martin Landaluce in straight sets to advance to the final four.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 5:49am

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No. 21 seed Jiri Lehecka defeated Spanish qualifier Martin Landaluce 7-6(1), 7-5 to reach the semifinals of the Miami Open. Lehecka had 8 aces and 19 winners in the match, while Landaluce saved 9 of 10 break points in a strong effort before falling in two hours and two minutes.

Why it matters

Lehecka's run to the semifinals marks the second time the 24-year-old Czech player has reached this stage of a Masters 1000 event, having previously done so at the 2024 Madrid Open. His victory over Landaluce also follows an earlier upset win over 6th-seeded Taylor Fritz in the fourth round.

The details

Lehecka won 85.1% of his first-serve points and had 19 winners against 23 unforced errors in the quarterfinal match. Landaluce, a 20-year-old qualifier, had 20 winners and 26 unforced errors in a strong effort that saw him save 9 of 10 break points before ultimately falling in two hours and two minutes.

  • The quarterfinal match took place on Wednesday, March 26, 2026.
  • Lehecka will face either No. 22 Tommy Paul or No. 28 Arthur Fils of France in Friday's semifinals.

The players

Jiri Lehecka

A 24-year-old Czech tennis player who is the No. 21 seed at the Miami Open.

Martin Landaluce

A 20-year-old Spanish tennis player who entered the Miami Open as a qualifier.

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What they’re saying

“Today was super tough. It is never easy to play against an opponent who has nothing to lose. He played incredibly. He played some unbelievable shots in crucial moments. Every time I had a break point he went for it and deserved those points. It was tough for me to handle. We both started to play very well and I was looking for the chance on the return, which finally came in the last game of the match.”

— Jiri Lehecka

What’s next

Lehecka will face either No. 22 Tommy Paul or No. 28 Arthur Fils of France in Friday's semifinals at the Miami Open.

The takeaway

Lehecka's run to the semifinals of the Miami Open, which includes an upset victory over 6th-seeded Taylor Fritz, demonstrates his continued growth as a top player on the ATP Tour and his ability to compete at the highest levels of the sport.