Martina Navratilova defends Jiri Lehecka after US Open net rule criticism
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 12:03 PM
Last updated Sep 5, 2026
Tennis hall of famer Martina Navratilova defended Jiri Lehecka following accusations of cheating during his US Open match against Stefanos Tsitsipas. Critics suggested Lehecka committed an illegal play by reaching over the net to finish a shot. Navratilova clarified that the maneuver is legal under ITF Rule 25(b), provided the ball bounced on the striker's side first and the player avoided touching the net. The controversy stemmed from a shortened social media clip that omitted the ball's initial bounce on the near side of the net. Stefanos Tsitsipas went on to win the match in four sets, marking his first appearance in the second week at Flushing Meadows. The Greek player is scheduled to face Ben Shelton in the next round on Sunday.
- •Martina Navratilova confirmed reaching over the net is legal if the ball bounces on the striker's side first.
- •ITF Rule 24 prohibits touching the net, posts, or the opponent's court while the ball is live.
- •Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Jiri Lehecka in four sets to reach the US Open fourth round.
- •Stefanos Tsitsipas will play Ben Shelton in the next round this Sunday.
- 12:03 PMYahoo Sports — “Learn The Rules” – Martina Navratilova Defends US Open Star After Illegal Play Accusations During Tsitsipas Clash in 3R
- 9:34 AMYahoo Sports — “Learn the Rules”- Martina Navratilova Hits Back at Critics Accusing Jiri Lehecka of Cheating at US Open
"Martina Navratilova sided with Jiri Lehecka after the tennis community accused him of hitting an illegal shot during his third-round match against Stefanos Tsitsipas. While Lehecka officially bid goodbye to Flushing Meadows, a play at the net during his clash with Tsitsipas has now drawn heat, prompting the 18-time singles Grand Slam champion to step in and set the record straight.
"Lehecka had taken the first set 6-2, but Tsitsipas was up 2-1 in the second with the game tied at 30-30 when the controversy blew up. Tsitsipas’ shot bounced on Lehecka’s side and spun back over the net, so Lehecka reached across and put it away.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 5, 2026, 12:03 PM“Learn The Rules” – Martina Navratilova Defends US Open Star After Illegal Play Accusations During Tsitsipas Clash in 3R
Martina Navratilova sided with Jiri Lehecka after the tennis community accused him of hitting an illegal shot during his third-round match against Stefanos Tsitsipas. While Lehecka officially bid goodbye to Flushing Meadows, a play at the net during his clash with Tsitsipas has now drawn heat, prompting the 18-time singles Grand Slam champion to step in and set the record straight.
- Yahoo SportsSep 5, 2026, 9:34 AM“Learn the Rules”- Martina Navratilova Hits Back at Critics Accusing Jiri Lehecka of Cheating at US Open
Lehecka had taken the first set 6-2, but Tsitsipas was up 2-1 in the second with the game tied at 30-30 when the controversy blew up. Tsitsipas’ shot bounced on Lehecka’s side and spun back over the net, so Lehecka reached across and put it away.
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