Qatar Open: Rublev vs Lehecka Tennis Prediction & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Qatar Open as Andrey Rublev takes on Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinal on Thursday, February 23, 2023.

Will Andrey Rublev get the win? Will Jiri Lehecka pull off the upset? This will be an interesting one, where we have the top seed facing an in-form youngster. Who will triumph and move through to the semifinals at the 2023 Qatar Open?

Andrey Rublev did not look great in his opening match, but what ultimately counts is that he won. Needing to save 3 match points and a 2-5 deficit in the decider, he managed to win 8-6 in the tiebreaker. As he takes on Jiri Lehecka, it’s only going to be harder, both players had a solid showing in Australia this year, but Lehecka was particularly impressive in that he upset many top players en route to the quarterfinals, I suspect Rublev may be upset prone in this match as the Czech looks to pull the upset for a place in the semifinals of the 2023 Qatar Open.

Jiri Lehecka played a solid two matches, winning both in straight sets and likely adjusted to the conditions quite well. Lehecka has a big serve, something very important when playing Rublev, particularly on a quicker surface. He has a very solid base with the ability to pound backhands cross court, something else that’s very important when playing Rublev. Although it’s Rublev’s match to lose, Lehecka may surprise us as he looks ahead to the semifinals at the 2023 Qatar Open.

Andrey Rublev and Jiri Lehecka have met once before, with Andrey Rublev leading the head to head 1-0. Rublev took him out in 3 last year in Belgrade en route to his title run, but Lehecka is a much-improved player now. I don’t love this matchup for Rublev and based on their tennis this week, I have to go with Jiri Lehecka for the upset of the top seed to claim his place in the final four here at the 2023 Qatar Open.