Grigor Dimitrov, the defending Brisbane International champion, was forced to retire from his semifinal match on Saturday, giving Jiri Lehecka the chance to compete for his second Australian title. Dimitrov, who was trailing 6-4, 4-4, received treatment for a groin and hip injury at Pat Rafter Arena. He briefly left the court, attempted to continue playing, but ultimately retired, allowing Lehecka, 23, to advance to his fourth ATP final.
Lehecka, who claimed his first ATP singles title at last year’s Adelaide International, will now aim for another win. Dimitrov, a former world No. 3, has one week to recover before the Australian Open starts on January 12 in Melbourne.
Lehecka expressed concern for Dimitrov, saying, “I hope it’s nothing serious for Grigor; the first set and first half of the second had a good level. I’d like to finish the match in a different way, but hopefully, he’ll be all right.”