Brisbane International: Jiri Lehecka Wins Men's Title After Reilly Opelka Retires Early

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.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 6 January 2025 2:00 pm

Australia Tennis Brisbane International 2025 Jiri Lehecka vs Reilly Opelka photo gallery: 1

Brisbane International Tennis: Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka poses with his trophy | Photo: AP/Pat Hoelscher

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.

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Brisbane International Tennis: Jiri Lehecka and USA's Reilly Opelka pose after their final | Photo: AP/Pat Hoelscher

Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka, left, and USA's Reilly Opelka, right, pose after their final match at the Brisbane International in Brisbane, Australia.

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Brisbane International Tennis: Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka poses after winning the final | Photo: AP/Pat Hoelscher

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.

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Brisbane International Tennis: Jiri Lehecka celebrates his win against Reilly Opelka | Photo: AP/Pat Hoelscher

Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka celebrates his win against USA's Reilly Opelka during their final match at the Brisbane International in Brisbane, Australia.

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Brisbane International Tennis: USA's Reilly Opelka retires injured during his final | Photo: AP/Pat Hoelscher

USA's Reilly Opelka retires injured during his final match against Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka at the Brisbane International in Brisbane, Australia.

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Brisbane International Tennis: Jiri Lehecka plays a forehand against Reilly Opelka | Photo: AP/Pat Hoelscher

Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka plays a forehand against USA's Reilly Opelka during their final match at the Brisbane International in Brisbane, Australia.

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Brisbane International Tennis: Reilly Opelka plays a backhand against Jiri Lehecka | Photo: AP/Pat Hoelscher

USA's Reilly Opelka plays a backhand against Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka during their final match at the Brisbane International in Brisbane, Australia.