Miami QF preview: Can #NextGenATP Landaluce extend dream run v Lehecka?
Tommy Paul and Arthur Fils will take to the court on Wednesday evening for their quarter-final clash at the Miami Open presented by Itau, each pursuing a different milestone.
For Paul, it is his first appearance at this stage of the South Florida ATP Masters 1000 event, while Fils returns to the last eight for a second straight year, becoming the first Frenchman to do so since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 2010.
Both players have underlined their quality this week after battling injuries late last season. Their clash is scheduled for not before 8:30 p.m. EDT.
Earlier in the day, #NextGenATP star Martin Landaluce meets 21st seed Jiri Lehecka in the first of Wednesday’s two men’s quarter-finals. At No. 151 in the PIF ATP Rankings, the 20-year-old Spaniard is the lowest-ranked Miami quarter-finalist since 1994.
[Q] Landaluce vs. [21] Lehecka (not before 3:00 p.m. EDT)
Landaluce saved a match point against Sebastian Korda to extend his dream run into a first Masters 1000 quarter-final. Prior to Miami, the Spaniard had just two tour-level wins, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, but has doubled that tally with a run that has included victories over Top 20 opponents Luciano Darderi and Karen Khachanov.
The challenge only intensifies against Lehecka, who is fresh from upsetting World No. 7 Taylor Fritz to reach his third Masters 1000 quarter-final. The Czech could rise to his joint career-high No. 16 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings if he advances.
Landaluce, a product of the Rafa Nadal Academy, claimed the US Open boys’ title at 16 in 2022 and made his Next Gen ATP Finals debut last year. Arriving in Miami without a tour-level win in 2026, he has showcased his trademark resilience with six straight victories, including qualifying, to fuel his breakthrough week.
Now up 48 spots to No. 103 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, Landaluce could climb as high as No. 69 with a semi-final win. With both players looking to dictate play with aggressive styles, all signs point to a high-octane clash at Hard Rock Stadium.
[22] Paul vs. [28] Fils (not before 8:30 p.m. EDT)
If their only previous Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting — a three-set win for Paul in Shanghai in 2023 — is any indication, fans can expect a compelling contest between one of the Tour’s biggest hitters and a player who has thrived in pressure moments this week.
Paul, who ended his 2025 season early due to injury after the US Open, has already reached the Delray Beach final this year and battled through two three-set matches en route to his maiden Miami quarter-final. The former World No. 8 will need his trademark speed and defensive skills against Fils’ explosive power.
Fils also endured an extended layoff, missing eight months with a back injury before surging to the ATP 500 final in Doha in February in just his third event back. The 21-year-old has carried that intensity through the Sunshine Double, defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime in Indian Wells and producing a statement win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in Miami, where he dropped just one game.
Still seeking his first Masters 1000 semi-final (0-4 in QFs), Fils will look to peak against the 28-year-old Paul, who has reached four semi-finals at this level.
Read More from Miami:
Landaluce saves MP to stun Korda, dedicates win to late grandmother
Lehecka foils home hope Fritz with third-set Miami masterclass
No cookies & a travelling physio: The changes that carried Fils from setback to surge
When are the Miami tennis quarter-finals?
The first two quarter-finals of the Miami Open presented by Itau will take place on Wednesday 25 March. Martin Landaluce will face Jiri Lehecka not before 3:00 p.m. EDT, while Tommy Paul plays Arthur Fils not before 8:30 p.m. EDT.
Who is playing in the Miami tennis quarter-finals?
The quarter-finals in the top half of the draw features Tommy Paul, Arthur Fils, Martin Landaluce and Jiri Lehecka. The bottom half, which plays Thursday 26 March, features Jannik Sinner, Frances Tiafoe, Alexander Zverev and Francisco Cerundolo.
