Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka poses with his trophy after the final match against USA's Reilly Opelka at the Brisbane International in Brisbane, Australia.
Jiri Lehecka claimed his second ATP Tour-level title on Sunday (January 5, 2025) at the Brisbane International, as Reilly Opelka was forced to retire early in the first set due to a back injury. Lehecka led 4-1 when the physically hampered Opelka was forced to stop. Opelka defeated Novak Djokovic en route to his first tour-level final since 2022 and the physical demands of his run caught up with him in his first meeting with Lehecka. The American will now hope to regain fitness for the Australian Open, which starts on January 12.
Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka poses with his trophy after the final match against USA's Reilly Opelka at the Brisbane International in Brisbane, Australia.
Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka, left, and USA's Reilly Opelka, right, pose after their final match at the Brisbane International in Brisbane, Australia.
Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka, front center, poses after winning the final match against USA's Reilly Opelka at the Brisbane International in Brisbane, Australia.
Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka celebrates his win against USA's Reilly Opelka during their final match at the Brisbane International in Brisbane, Australia.
USA's Reilly Opelka retires injured during his final match against Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka at the Brisbane International in Brisbane, Australia.
Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka plays a forehand against USA's Reilly Opelka during their final match at the Brisbane International in Brisbane, Australia.
USA's Reilly Opelka plays a backhand against Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka during their final match at the Brisbane International in Brisbane, Australia.