Jiri Lehecka is set to take on Arthur Gea in the opening round of the Australian Open, taking place at Melbourne Park, Australia. Fans can catch the match on UK’s TNT Sports and USA’s ESPN, while online streaming will be available on discovery+ in the UK and ESPN+ and Tennis Channel in the USA. For those interested in attending, ticket information can be accessed via an official link.
Lehecka, currently ranked within the top 20, enjoyed a stellar 2025 season, featuring a title win in Brisbane, a runner-up finish at Queen’s Club, and a quarterfinal appearance at the US Open. However, his start to the new season has been challenging, having to retire in his second-round match against Sebastian Korda in Brisbane.
On the other hand, Arthur Gea, ranked 197th, is making his main draw debut at a Grand Slam event. The Frenchman has showcased impressive form recently, claiming his first Challenger title in Noumea and securing three consecutive wins in the qualifying rounds. In fact, he remains unbeaten in his matches thus far in 2026.
While Lehecka is favored to win given his ranking and experience, Gea’s recent performances suggest he is a formidable opponent. He is expected to put up a fight, particularly in the early stages of the match, as he looks to leverage his recent momentum. Despite the challenges, the prediction leans towards Lehecka winning, potentially with a scoreline of 3-0 or 3-1.
This matchup promises to be an exciting opening round for both players, with Lehecka aiming to assert his dominance while Gea seeks to make a memorable impact on his Grand Slam debut.