Miami Masters 2023: Khachanov vs Lehecka Prediction & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Miami Masters third-round match featuring Karen Khachanov vs Jiri Lehecka on Monday, March 27, 2023.

Karen Khachanov vs Jiri Lehecka Match Preview

14th seed Karen Khachanov faces Czech rising star Jiri Lehecka in a mouthwatering third-round match at the 2023 Miami Masters. Who will prevail?

Karen Khachanov withstood a brave fightback from Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry before coming away with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 and booked his spot in the third round of the 2023 Miami Masters. Despite a second-set wobble, the Russian showcased his dominance on serve to win 81% first serve points and hammered seven aces. Khachanov will need to improve his second serve massively against Jiri Lehecka. He won just 36% of those points and broken twice.

Jiri Lehecka, meanwhile, took just an hour and 20 minutes to send the 18th seed Lorenzo Musetti packing. Lehecka won 6-4, 6-4, in a match where he maintained decent serving numbers. Lehecka won 76% first serve points and 68% points on his second serve. Overall, he tallied 25 winners, almost twice that of Musetti. A repeat performance against Karen Khachanov could see him notch another win over a seeded player at the 2023 Miami Masters.

Karen Khachanov vs Jiri Lehecka Prediction and Pick

Karen Khachanov and Jiri Lehecka have not played each other on the ATP Tour. Monday’s third-round match at the 2023 Miami Masters will be their first official meeting. Khachanov has the bigger tools on a fast hard court. A big serve, a potent forehand, and an underrated backhand. He also moves well for a man of his size. But Lehecka has proven his mettle this season. He is unfazed by power and the occasion. As long as the young Czech stays solid and consistent from the baseline, he’s got every chance of sending Khachanov home.