US Open: Tsitsipas confirms his resurgence by beating Lehecka to reach the last 16

Stefanos Tsitsipas turned a difficult opening set into a statement win over 18th seed Jiri Lehecka, beating the Czech 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 to reach the US Open last 16.

The result extends a striking revival for the Greek, who has fallen to 53rd in the world rankings after once reaching No. 3. He had not reached this stage of a Grand Slam since Roland-Garros 2024, and this is his first appearance in the fourth round at the US Open.

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I’ve never had this kind of support in New York, guys.

Tsitsipas started badly, surrendering serve twice and struggling against Lehecka’s powerful delivery. He quickly dropped the first set, then changed the match’s direction. He became more reliable on serve and return, while long rallies began to favor him as Lehecka grew less comfortable in that exchange.

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You are phenomenal. What an electric evening.

The Greek made only eight unforced errors across the second and fourth sets, which he won with increasing authority. The third set stayed tight as both players protected their serves, but Tsitsipas took control in the tiebreak, moving 6-1 ahead before Lehecka sent a return into the net.

The crowd’s response clearly moved him. “I’ve never had this kind of support in New York, guys,” Tsitsipas said in his on-court interview. “You are phenomenal. What an electric evening.” He also praised the recent arrival of Patrick Mouratoglou, who replaced his longtime coach and father, Apostolos, after their separation in June. “We are creating a magnificent atmosphere,” Tsitsipas said.

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We are creating a magnificent atmosphere.