Jiri Lehecka rallied from a set down to defeat Alejandro Tabilo 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4 in the Madrid Round of 64 on Friday, firing 16 aces in a gritty three-set comeback on clay. The Czech converted a crucial break in the deciding set to advance.
After dropping the opening set, Lehecka found his range on serve, winning 80% of first-serve points and controlling the second-set tiebreak 7-3. Tabilo, who played cleaner tennis with just 23 unforced errors to Lehecka’s 35, couldn’t convert enough pressure moments—both players finished tied at 93 total points won. Lehecka’s superiority on serve and timely aggression (41 winners to Tabilo’s 24) proved decisive when the match tightened.
The Czech closed out the third set 6-4, securing his place in the next round while extending his strong recent form from Miami, where he reached the final before falling to Jannik Sinner.
Key Takeaways
- Lehecka’s 16 aces — nearly triple his clay court average of 5.7 per match — gave him a critical edge on serve, particularly after losing the first set.
- Despite being tied at 93 total points won apiece, Lehecka’s 41 winners to Tabilo’s 24 reflected a more aggressive approach that paid dividends in the decisive moments.
- Both players converted just one of two break point opportunities, but Lehecka’s superior first-serve winning percentage (80% vs. 73%) allowed him to hold more comfortably when it mattered.
- Tabilo’s cleaner baseline game (23 unforced errors vs. 35) couldn’t compensate for Lehecka’s firepower and experience at Madrid, where the Czech famously defeated Rafael Nadal in 2024.
Player Analysis
Jiri Lehecka
Lehecka’s performance embodied controlled aggression mixed with occasional volatility. His 16 aces — far exceeding his typical 5.7 per match on clay — turned his serve into a weapon that Tabilo couldn’t consistently neutralize. Winning 80% of first-serve points, Lehecka dictated play when his ball toss cooperated, and he committed zero double faults, a rarity that kept pressure squarely on his opponent.
The 41 winners tell the story of a player willing to take risks to shorten points, though the 35 unforced errors reveal the cost. Still, arriving at Madrid on a six-match winning streak from his Miami final run, Lehecka’s confidence showed in the crucial second-set tiebreak, where he dominated 7-3, and in the third set, where his lone break proved enough. His Madrid pedigree — including that 2024 win over Nadal — suggests he thrives on this court.
Alejandro Tabilo
Tabilo played a tactical, disciplined match, committing just 23 unforced errors and two double faults while maintaining a respectable 73% win rate on first serves. His game plan appeared sound: keep the ball in play, let Lehecka make mistakes, and capitalize on break opportunities. The Chilean won 71% of second-serve points, better than Lehecka’s 61%, indicating he could punish weaker deliveries.
Yet Tabilo’s conservative approach backfired when confronted with Lehecka’s firepower. His 24 winners, nearly half of Lehecka’s total, suggest he couldn’t match the Czech’s aggression when points extended. Converting just one of two break points proved costly in a match decided by the finest of margins — both players finished tied at 93 total points. For a player with a solid 20-16 clay record, this loss stings, particularly after opening his Madrid campaign with a comfortable win over Valentin Royer.
Match Statistics
| Jiri Lehecka | Stat | Alejandro Tabilo |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | Aces | 7 |
| 0 | Double Faults | 2 |
| 66% | 1st Serve % | 63% |
| 80% | 1st Serve Points Won | 73% |
| 61% | 2nd Serve Points Won | 71% |
| 1/2 | Break Points Won | 1/2 |
| 41 | Winners | 24 |
| 35 | Unforced Errors | 23 |
| 93 | Total Points Won | 93 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Jiri Lehecka vs Alejandro Tabilo at Madrid 2026?
Jiri Lehecka defeated Alejandro Tabilo 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4 in the Round of 64 at Madrid on April 24, 2026.
How many aces did Jiri Lehecka hit against Alejandro Tabilo at Madrid?
Lehecka fired 16 aces in the match, more than double Tabilo’s seven, and well above his clay court average of 5.7 aces per match.
Who won the Madrid 2026 Round of 64 match between Lehecka and Tabilo?
Jiri Lehecka won after rallying from a set down, taking the second set in a tiebreak and closing out the third set 6-4.
What were the key statistics in the Lehecka-Tabilo Madrid match?
Both players finished tied at 93 total points won, but Lehecka’s 41 winners (compared to Tabilo’s 24) and 80% first-serve points won gave him the edge in the deciding moments.
What’s Next
Lehecka advances to the Round of 32 at Madrid, where he’ll look to build on his strong recent form and continue the momentum from his Miami final appearance.
Head-to-head history: Alejandro Tabilo vs Jiri Lehecka.
