IT MIGHT have been at the other end of the country, but Czech Jiri Lehecka has fond memories of Australia from 12 months ago. Breaking through for his first ATP Tour title in Adelaide, the now world number 28 is hoping to make it two from two in finals Down Under.

In what will be Lehecka’s fourth hard court – and overall – ATP Tour final, the unseeded power hitter got a pass into the decider after second seed and reigning champion Grigor Dimitrov had to retire due to injury at 6-4 4-4 down.

“I hope it’s nothing serious for Grigor; the first set and first half of the second had a good level,” Lehecka said post-match. “I’d like to finish the match in a different way, but hopefully he’ll be alright and [I am] happy to be through.”

Lehecka has earned his place in the final, defeating third seed Holger Rune – the losing finalist in Brisbane 12 months ago – as well as Yoshihito Nishioka and Nicolas Jarry. He will take on American Reilly Opelka who is fresh off victories over 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, and most recently Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

The Czech won 85 per cent of his first serve points and 65 per cent of his second serve points without facing a break point in his victory over Dimitrov. Not fazed by the challenge of another Australian final, he is looking forward to stepping back out onto Pat Rafter Arena.

“Hopefully it can go on and on. I feel great here … these conditions, they suit me well,” he said. “It’s just a pleasure to play here.”

Meanwhile Opelka overcame the in-form Mpetshi Perricard in a battle of the renowned servers. Having missed so much time from the ATP Tour, the American got into the ATP 250 event via a protected ranking, and won 6-3 7-6.

He out-aced the king of aces with 12 to 10, and won 84 and 68 per cent of his first and second serve points, while running at a 70 per cent clip. He also saved all four break points he faced, and converted the only break of the match in the first set.

The victory meant Opelka will play his first ATP Tour final since 2022, something he was doubtful would ever happen again.

“It is great to be in another final. I didn’t think I would be playing one of these at all after the past year,” Opelka said post-match. “One guy, kind of a miracle, a Canadian guy fixed me and I started training and once I was out of pain the confidence came back.”