Lehecka, Tabilo take out first tour titles
JIRI Lehecka and Alejandro Tabilo claimed their maiden ATP Tour titles yesterday, taking out the Adelaide International and ASB Classic respectively. The latter, a qualifier in Auckland, jumped 33 spots up the rankings to earn a top 50 berth.
Tabilo downed Japan’s Taro Daniel 6-2, 7-5, blasting 37 winners and sending down 10 aces en route to victory. The 26-year-old needed just over 90 minutes to get his hands on the title after losing only one set in the tournament, including his qualifying run.
“It honestly feels surreal right now. I’m so happy, very emotional,” Tabilo said post-match. “I honestly never thought we were going to be here in the final.
“Last year was tough. Even two years ago, we made the final of Cordoba. From there we were going up and then I had a little stress fracture on my arm and we had to stop that year. We tried to work back up, but it’s been a lot of injuries last year also.
“Now with the whole team, with the recovery, with the food… My family also supporting, my girlfriend also in Chile right now has been helping me so much mentally, and my friends also. It’s been a crazy ride.”
Shortly after Tabilo became the first player to win his maiden ATP Tour title in 2024, Lehecka followed suit over in South Australia. The Czech world number 23 needed just over two hours to defear Briton Jack Draper, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, who was also chasing his first tour title.
The 22-year-old conceded the opening set but gritted his teeth to hit back in the second, and maintained his momentum to get on top in the third. He now rises to a career-high ranking on the eve of the Australian Open, where he reached the quarter finals in 2023.
“It’s hard for me to say something because it is so emotional for me to win my first title here in Adelaide,” Lehecka said. “I’m super excited. I would like to congratulate Jack and his team, because it is such a joy to watch you… I wish you all the best for the rest of the season. Just stay healthy and keep playing.”
RESULTS:
Adelaide International
Jiri Lehecka [7] def. Jack Draper 4-6, 6-4, 6-3
ASB Classic, Auckland
Alejandro Tabilo (Q) def. Taro Daniel 6-2, 7-5
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