Jiri Lehecka has reached the quarterfinals of the ATP Masters 1000 Miami. He overcame Martin Landaluce in their match. Tommy Paul also secured a win, defeating Arthur Fils.
Lehecka Overcomes Fatigue Factor
Jiri Lehecka was favoured heading into his match against Martin Landaluce, and he lived up to expectations. Landaluce’s impressive run may have been hampered by fatigue. Lehecka is returning to the top 20 in the rankings.
Lehecka has been playing well in Miami. He won his opening match against Kouame in straight sets, saving all three breakpoints he faced. The Czech player then defeated Quinn in straight sets, without offering any breakpoints. His toughest challenge came against Fritz, whom he upset in three tight sets, saving all five breakpoints he offered.
Landaluce had won six straight matches prior to the Lehecka clash. In Miami, the Spaniard qualified for the main draw. He defeated Giron and Darderi in the opening rounds. Landaluce then upset Khachanov in straight sets, recovering from a 2-4 deficit in the second set. His match against Korda was his toughest, lasting almost three hours, where he saved a match point in the second set tiebreak after losing the first.
Paul Edges Fils in Straight Sets
Tommy Paul secured a victory over Arthur Fils. Paul looks fresh and confident.
Paul had won four of his last five matches coming into the Fils match. In Miami, Paul defeated Mannarino in three sets, recovering from a 1-3 deficit in the deciding set. He then defeated Collignon in three sets, overcoming three service breaks. Etcheverry stood no chance against Paul, who won in straight sets and offered only one breakpoint.
Fils had also won four of his last five matches. He defeated Blanch in straight sets in his opening match, without offering any breakpoints. Fils demolished Tsitsipas in straight sets within an hour, saving both breakpoints he faced. His toughest challenge was against Vacherot, which he won in three tight sets, saving all breakpoints.
Paul had previously won the only head-to-head meeting against Fils.
Value Bets Assessed
Prior to their matches, bookmakers had Lehecka as the favourite against Landaluce. Lehecka covering the -3.5 games handicap was considered a value bet. Paul was a slight underdog against Fils, but a Paul victory was considered a value bet.
The ATP Masters 1000 Miami quarterfinals are now well set.