Tennis: immense disillusionment for Arthur Fils, dominated by Jiri Lehecka in the semi-final in Miami

The dream ends there. Impressive so far, Arthur Fils was easily dismissed by the Czech Jiri Lehecka in the semi-final of the Masters 1000 in Miami (6-2, 6-2). Already defeating Moïse Kouamé in the second round, the 21st in the world eliminates another Frenchman and will meet Alexander Zverev or Jannik Sinner in the final.

The Frenchman, who had not lost his serve once since the start of the tournament, was broken four times by the Czech, winner in 1h17. “I’m doing my best but I can’t do it, I’m too slow! », Angered Arthur Fils in front of his staff, who asked him not to give up while his opponent led 5-2 in the second set.

The native of Courcouronnes (Essonne), who had already thrown his racket in anger a few minutes earlier, never really managed to get into his match against the power of Jiri Leheca. The latter, however, was experiencing his first semi-final in Masters 1000.

In the Top 30 from Monday

An inexperience which was not noticed in the 24-year-old player, who seduced Miami by outflanking his opponent, faulting too many times, particularly on his forehand. After saving four consecutive match points in the previous round against Tommy Paul, Fils failed to create the conditions for a new miracle.

His heavy forehand was countered by Lehecka, at ease on all shots and in all areas of the game, from the baseline or at the net. For him, the adventure ends there. But the Frenchman is already assured of returning to the top 30 next week: his rise to power continues.