Jiří Leheček, a recent member of the top 30, was the first from the Czech expedition heading to the Iberian Peninsula to learn of Alcaraz’s non-participation. “It jumped out at me on a tennis portal, and then they confirmed it on the Davis Cup Instagram. This is good news for us. Playing against Alcaraz, fueled by Spanish fans, would be a very difficult task. But they will still have a strong and experienced home team. Even if Alcaraz won’t play, we have to prepare with the same quality.”
The recent semifinalist from Toronto, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, will move into the role of host number one, but he was defeated by Leheček this year on the grass in Queens. “Our first match will probably be decisive,” nodded Navrátil, who also has 18-year-old comet Jakub Menšík and doubles player Adam Pavlásk in the nomination. The team will later be joined by Tomáš Macháč, who is waiting for the final of the challenger in Cassis, France, on Sunday. “Except for Tomáš, the boys trained in Prostějov, worked hard every day and are fine,” the captain was pleased.
Photo: Cole Burston, CTK/AP
Jiří Lehečka in a match with Casper Ruud
“I feel great,” agreed Lehečka. “After the US Open, I relaxed for a few days, but we had a really nutritious training block in Prostějov. I should be good in terms of playing and fitness. I’m glad it came out just the week before the Davis Cup. It is a valuable event for us,” declared the Czech number one.
Now the question is whether the Serbian champion Novak Djokovic will also play against the Czech Republic, who only awaits the final with the Russian Daniil Medvedev in Flushing Meadows on Sunday.
“Novak and I talked for a while, but not about the Davis Cup, which he was counting on. But the situation is a bit different now,” reflected the young Menšík, whom Djokovic invited to Belgrade some time ago for joint training. “If he won the US Open, he would have some responsibilities. It probably wouldn’t be easy for him to adapt.”
However, if the Serbian star were to arrive in Valencia, he would start against her exactly in the week of Leheček. “But first, I want to win important points in the previous two matches against Spain and Korea,” said the highest-ranked Czech tennis player.
“The boys have already gained some experience in the Davis Cup. That first match against the home team will probably be the key to promotion. Losing against Spain, defeating Korea and playing against Serbia with Djokovic would be very difficult,” claimed Navrátil.
2023-09-09 16:49:04
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