[Singles Semifinal]
Jiri Lehecka (CZE) def. Valentin Vacherot (MON) [8], 6-4, 6-2

■ Playing in this tournament for the first time, Lehecka defeated the eighth seed in just 1 hour and 9 minutes to reach the final. Against Vacherot's powerful attacking game, Lehecka used changes of pace to move the ball around and pull his opponent from side to side, then pounced on opportunities to win points with powerful forehand strokes. Even when Vacherot came to the net in an attempt to change the course of the match after losing control of the baseline rallies, Lehecka denied him with clever passing shots and never allowed his opponent to seize momentum. His serve, which has been one of the strengths of his game throughout this tournament, was also outstanding. In the nine service games he played, Lehecka surrendered just four points.

■ Lehecka attributed his victory to the quality of his returns. “He's also a great server, but if there was one difference between us during the match, I think it was the quality of the return. My returns were consistent. Especially against his second serve, I was able to put myself in the best position to take control of the point.” Lehecka won 68 percent of the points against Vacherot's second serve and broke three times in total. On his own serve, meanwhile, he did not allow his opponent a single break point. Against Vacherot, who attacks aggressively off the second serves, Lehecka repeatedly targeted the body with his own second serves, preventing his opponent from launching an attack. His remarkable 88 percent winning rate on second-serve points backed up the effectiveness of that strategy.

■ In last month's Davis Cup tie against the United States, Lehecka defeated L. Tien (No. 16) and B. Shelton (No. 4), and he arrived at this tournament riding a wave of good form. “I'm super happy to be in the final,” he said. Lehecka also defeated Alcaraz in Dubai last year. “I've been playing really well this week in good conditions. It's going to be a tough match, but I just have to serve well like I did today and give everything I have.” He is clearly looking ahead to a second career victory over Alcaraz.

(Japan Tennis Association)