Jiri Lehecka recovered from dropping the opening set to defeat Luca Nardi 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 at the ATP Dubai Championships on Monday. The Czech prevailed by dominating on first serve, winning 75% of those points compared to Nardi’s 64%, while converting crucial break points in the deciding set to seal his progression.
Nardi looked the sharper player early, serving at 70% and cleanly holding serve to pocket the first set. But Lehecka found his range as the match wore on, particularly off the ground. His 24 winners ultimately outpaced Nardi’s 21, and though both players leaked errors—Lehecka 29 unforced to Nardi’s 26—the Italian’s serve deteriorated badly in the third. Lehecka broke twice in the final set, racing through six games to two as Nardi’s second-serve points won percentage dipped to 64% overall, leaving him vulnerable on return.
The match turned on break point conversions. Lehecka squandered 10 of his 12 opportunities but capitalized when it mattered most, breaking in the second and third sets to seize control. Nardi, by contrast, converted just one of five chances and couldn’t sustain the pressure that characterized his first-set play.
Key Takeaways
- Lehecka’s first serve was the match’s defining weapon—his 75% points won on first delivery dwarfed Nardi’s 64% and allowed him to dictate once he found rhythm.
- Break point inefficiency nearly cost Lehecka the match: he converted just 2 of 12 opportunities (17%), but those two breaks in sets two and three proved decisive.
- Nardi served cleaner—70% first serves in and zero double faults—but couldn’t sustain his early edge, winning only 64% of second-serve points as Lehecka’s return game sharpened.
- The third set was a rout: Lehecka won six games to two, hitting five aces across the match and finishing with 87 total points to Nardi’s 81—a narrow but telling margin.
Player Analysis
Jiri Lehecka
The Czech showed the composure of a player with two career titles, weathering an early storm and adjusting tactically as the match progressed. His first-serve dominance—75% of points won—was the bedrock of his comeback, and while he wasted 10 break point chances, he converted the two that mattered most. Lehecka’s 24 winners kept Nardi on the back foot once momentum shifted, though 29 unforced errors suggest he still forced the issue at times. His ability to lift in the third set, breaking twice and losing just two games, underscored his growing maturity on hard courts.
Luca Nardi
The Italian, still chasing his first career title, played a clean first set and served impeccably—70% first serves in without a single double fault across the entire match. But his inability to capitalize on break points (1 of 5 converted) proved costly, and his return game lacked bite when Lehecka’s first serve clicked. Nardi hit 21 winners and kept his unforced error count to 26, respectable numbers that nonetheless couldn’t compensate for a third-set collapse. Once Lehecka broke early in the decider, Nardi had no answer, managing just 64% of points won on his second serve when he needed to hold firm under pressure.
Match Statistics
| Jiri Lehecka | Stat | Luca Nardi |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Aces | 4 |
| 2 | Double Faults | 0 |
| 61% | 1st Serve % | 70% |
| 75% | 1st Serve Points Won | 64% |
| 58% | 2nd Serve Points Won | 64% |
| 2/12 | Break Points Won | 1/5 |
| 24 | Winners | 21 |
| 29 | Unforced Errors | 26 |
| 87 | Total Points Won | 81 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Jiri Lehecka vs Luca Nardi at ATP Dubai 2026?
Jiri Lehecka defeated Luca Nardi 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in a comeback victory at the ATP Dubai Championships on February 24, 2026.
How many aces did Jiri Lehecka hit against Luca Nardi in Dubai?
Lehecka hit 5 aces compared to Nardi’s 4 in their three-set encounter.
What was Jiri Lehecka’s first serve points won percentage vs Nardi?
Lehecka won an impressive 75% of his first serve points, significantly higher than Nardi’s 64%, which proved decisive in the comeback.
How many break points did Lehecka convert against Nardi in Dubai?
Lehecka converted just 2 of 12 break point opportunities (17%), but those breaks in the second and third sets were enough to secure victory.
What’s Next
Lehecka advances at the Dubai Championships after a hard-fought comeback on the hard courts. His ability to dominate on first serve and tighten up his game in the deciding set will give him confidence as the tournament progresses.
