Jiri Lehecka defeated eighth seed Valentin Vacherot 6–4, 6–2 in Tokyo’s semifinal on October 5, 2026. On his tournament debut, he reached the final in 69 minutes. The official report records only four points lost across his nine service games and no break points conceded.
Lehecka varied pace and moved Vacherot laterally before attacking with his forehand, then answered approaches with passing shots. He directed second serves at the body to restrict Vacherot’s attacking returns. On return, he repeatedly took control behind the opponent’s second serve and broke three times.
The run followed September Davis Cup wins over Learner Tien and Ben Shelton in the tie against the United States. Lehecka identified return consistency as the difference in the semifinal. He advanced to face Carlos Alcaraz, whom he had beaten in Dubai in 2025, with another opportunity to use the serving and returning that carried him through Tokyo.
