Cameron Norrie Rafael Jódar Jiri Lehecka ATP Alex de Miñaur ATP Montreal 2026

Norrie takes advantage of De Miñaur's collapse and Montreal is left without another favorite; Lehecka will face Jódar

Carlos Navarro - 7 Aug 2026
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Lehecka, next rival of Jódar in Canada. Source: Getty

It has been an emotionally intense day at the ATP Montreal 2026, with one result standing out significantly above the rest. Cameron Norrie triumphed over Alex de Miñaur in a nail-biting match (5-7, 7-6(5), 6-1) that hides several important angles and ramifications. Firstly, it delves into the mini-crisis of the Australian, unable to replicate past results: he was up 7-5 and 5-2, had a match point that he wasted with a double fault... and ultimately faded away, completely diminished, mentally outmatched by the consistency of the Brit.

It is strange to see Demon give up like this, in a loss that continues to show that he has dropped two rungs compared to past years. Moreover, it means the fall of another significant favorite in the Canadian tournament: only Ben Shelton remains as the sole top-10, in a landscape that surely won't please the tournament director.

Lehecka will be Jódar's opponent in the round of 16

Who did meet expectations and continues to affirm his status as the eighth seed is Jiri Lehecka. The Czech, who started his collaboration with Fréderic Fontang a week ago, clearly defeated Alexander Blockx (6-3, 6-4) and showed that he feels very comfortable on Canadian courts.

This victory is particularly significant as it shapes the bracket: Jiri will be the next opponent for Rafa Jódar for a ticket to the quarterfinals. It is an unprecedented matchup on the ATP circuit: they have never faced each other, adding a veil of uncertainty to the course of the match. The Czech represents that style of player who gives no respite with his serve and constantly seeks to move forward, a style that perhaps fits less well with Rafa's tennis than that of players like Musetti... but it is undoubtedly a fantastic match to savor next Saturday.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Norrie aprovecha el colapso de De Miñaur y Montréal se queda sin otro favorito; Lehecka se enfrentará a Jódar