Brisbane International 2025: Jiri Lehecka clinches glory after Reilly Opelka retires in final-thriller

Tennis star Jiri Lehecka is the winner of the 2025 Brisbane International in a heartbreaking ending for star player Reilly Opelka. The 23-year-old star player sealed the title five games into the final against the big American as the latter retired due to the injuries that he suffered in the first set of the thrilling encounter.

The Czech-born star himself has struggled a lot with major injury problems, with his career getting derailed after announcing himself for his first ATP title back in 2024. The star player had a back injury in the summer and only marked his return in Antwerp in October, so like Opelka, he has something to catch up to.

However, the 23-year-old star player who won the Adelaide last year won't have that massive chunk this time coming off his rankings. He is set to defend his title in the forthcoming week and will be one of the favourites to do so but won't have the issues now, so he may still withdraw.

Also Read: Tomas Machac retires from his match against Taylor Fritz at 2025 United Cup semis

Still, though, another title for Lehecka and a stellar week for the 23-year-old ace in a week that also saw his country sit at the United Cup before Tomas Machac pulled up with cramp to guide the USA into the final against Poland.

Also Read: Coco Gauff thwarts Iga Swiatek to put USA ahead in 2025 United Cup final showdown

Jiri Lehecka wins the second title of his career (Adelaide 2024, Brisbane 2025) as Reilly Opelka retires after just 15 minutes (down 1-4) in the Brisbane final.

It's been a week of many retirements in big matches... pic.twitter.com/gCcAEQx22E

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 5, 2025

 I want to thank everyone for coming to watch, and my team: Jiri Lehecka

"It is never easy to finish a match this way; I know how you feel," said Reilly. It has been an honour to see you backplaying, and if your body can take it, you will be there for many more years. It was a great week for me in Brisbane. I just love to play here in Australia. I want to thank everyone for coming to watch and my team. It was a great week for me. I got a lot of great matches in," Lehecka said.

Also Read: Red-hot Reilly Opelka powers into 2025 Brisbane International finals