WATCH: Daniil Medvedev makes early exit at Cincinnati Open 2024 as Jiri Lehecka beats former champion to book R16 spot

Jiri Lehecka pulled off a major upset in the ongoing Cincinnati Open 2024 by defeating former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev in the second round. The Czech superstar advanced to the last 16 with a convincing 7-6 (2), 6-4 win at the Lindner Family Tennis Centre on Thursday (August 15).

Former champion Medvedev entered the tournament looking to make amends for his opening-round exit at the Canadian Open last week. He fell to 42nd-ranked Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, 6-4, 1-6, 6-2. In Ohio, the World No. 5 cleared the first-round hurdle but failed to sustain the momentum against Lehecka, who has not played since the Madrid Open due to a back injury.

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The 22-year-old put on some amazing displays throughout the match to bid an early goodbye to one of the tournament favourites. Arguably, it was one of the best wins of Lehecka’s career.   

“It's amazing to be back, to be honest. It was a long time since I was playing on a big stage, so I enjoyed every moment of it today. To get a win again such a good player, talented player as Daniil surely is, is just a bonus for me,” Lehecka said in his on-court interview.

Watch Jiri Lehecka's winning moment against Daniil Medvedev:

HECKA GOOD 😎

The moment @jirilehecka defeated 2019 #CincyOpen champion Medvedev for his third Top-5 win of 2024! pic.twitter.com/UrLukkc89w

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 15, 2024

Medvedev's form drops ahead of US Open 

Medvedev emerged victorious at the 2019 Cincinnati Masters after defeating David Goffin in the final, 7–6, 6–4. It was his first ARP Tour Masters 1000 title. He defeated defending champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-final. Notably, the Serbian, after his historic Olympic gold medal win in Paris, earlier pulled out of the tournament. 

Also Read: ‘They want to be like Formula 1 and football but…’ - Daniil Medvedev hits out at ATP over disqualification of Denis Shapovalov from Washington Open

The Russian missed a great chance to claim his second Cincinnati title. Moreover, his confidence may have taken a hit after back-to-back upsets. With the US Open just around the corner, Medvedev, the 2021 champion, will be eager to be back at his best.

Jiri Lehecka will next face home favourite Frances Tiafoe. The American outmuscled in-form Italian 14th seed Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-2.