Rafael Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka Preview & Prediction | 2024 Madrid Open | Round of 16
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THE FACTS
What is this tournament classed as in terms of ranking points? ATP 1000
When is Rafael Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka on and what time does it start? Rafael Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka will take place on Tuesday 30th April, 2024 – not before 20:15 (UK)
Where is Rafael Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka taking place? Rafael Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka will take place at Park Manzanares in Madrid, Spain
What surface is Rafael Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka being played on? Rafael Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka will take place on an outdoor clay court
Where can I get tickets for Rafael Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Rafael Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka
What channel is Rafael Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka on in the UK? Rafael Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka will be televised live on Sky Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Rafael Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Rafael Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka live on Sky Go, while Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
37-year-old Rafael Nadal beat Pedro Cachin in a marathon three-set clash on Monday to claim three wins in a row for the first time since losing to Frances Tiafoe in the round of 16 at the US Open in 2022. The five-time former Madrid champion has captured the imaginations of his native capital this fortnight but this will be the toughest test on his body yet as he takes to court just over 24 hours later to face 22-year-old Jiri Lehecka, who will know his best option is making this late-night encounter take as long as possible. The world number 31 is at his best away from clay but the attitude in Madrid does offer some respite for the less enthusiastic players. Back-to-back straight-sets wins over two solid clay-courters sees the Czech through to the round of 16 fuss-free and well rested to pose the biggest threat to Nadal’s campaign yet.
Nadal has improved with each passing round in Madrid but his body is hanging by a thread and that ticking time bomb will not go away be it here, Rome, or Roland-Garros later next month. The court, the conditions, the crowd and the game all heavily favour the former world number one but he will sacrifice further progress in this tournament if it means he can take better fitness into the next two tournaments. Back Lehecka to earn at least a set to leave the victor up to chance.
TIP: JIRI LEHECKA TO WIN A SET
