TENNIS – JIRI Lehecka produced a masterclass of precision and control to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 final, dismantling Arthur Fils 6-2 6-2 in just 75 minutes at the Miami Open yesterday.
The 24-year-old Czech was dominant from the opening game, breaking the 21-year-old Frenchman early and never relinquishing his grip.
Fils briefly threatened a revival at the start of the second set but he struggled with his consistency, committing a total of 21 unforced errors to Lehecka’s 14, with three double faults.
“I’m very excited that I’m in a final, definitely one of my goals, but at the same time it’s just a sport, there are more important things going on in the world right now. I’m just trying to do what I do best,” Lehecka said.
Meanwhile, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka eased past Elena Rybakina 6-4 6-3 late on Thursday to book a Miami Open final against Coco Gauff as the world number one bids to become the fifth woman to complete the ‘Sunshine Double’ after her title win at Indian Wells.
Sabalenka took full advantage of a series of errors from Rybakina to win the opening set, and the four-times Grand Slam champion then raced ahead 4-0 in the second.
World number two Rybakina, who beat the Belarusian in the Australian Open final in January, clawed her way back into the match but Sabalenka shut the door to wrap up a comfortable win.
“I really enjoy our rivalry, she’s an incredible player,” said Sabalenka. “I think I did everything right, she played great but I think I pushed her so much.”
Earlier, Gauff delivered a commanding 6-1 6-1 win over Karolina Muchova to book a place in her sixth WTA 1000 final.
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