WATCH: Jiri Lehecka astounds Daniil Medvedev with incredible reflex volley en route to his Cincinnati Open second-round win

Jiri Lehecka notched one of the best wins of his career in the Cincinnati Open 2024 on Thursday (August 15). Playing his first tournament in three months, the Czech professional outclassed former champion Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in the second round at the Lindner Family Tennis Centre.

En route to his 7-6 (2), 6-4 victory, the 22-year-old displayed an impressive display of tennis, knocking out one of the tournament favourites early on. After a long season on clay and grass courts, Medvedev returned to the hard court and was found to be struggling. He came on the back of an opening-round exit in Montreal last week and continues his torrid run.

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

In his first-round match against Lehecka, the 2019 winner looked like he was striving for each point. Medvedev could not contain his frustration after the Czech top seed took the first set. He was seen lashing out in his native language and the chair umpire was quick enough to hand him a violation code, which doubled his anger and eventually led to an argument.

The Russian superstar took a 3-2 lead in the second set, but Lehecka bounced back to win three games. Meanwhile, to level the scoreline, the 35th-ranked player stunned his opponent and spectators alike with a quick reflex volley. 

Watch the video of Jiri Lehecka’s rapid reflex volley against Daniil Medvedev:

SCANDALOUS 😎@jirilehecka reflex volley improv at #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/iG6I9yTDus

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 15, 2024

I enjoyed every moment of it today: Lehecka

Despite playing his first match since the Madrid Open due to a back injury, Lehecka displayed a fearless game of tennis, smashing 17 forehand winners to take advantage of his opportunities.

“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 after defeating Medvedev.

Also Read: Tennis World unleash their outburst on chair umpire due to controversial decision in Fritz vs Nakashima round 1 match in Cincinnati Open