“I’ve been trying to play as many matches as possible and I couldn’t do any better.

“Today was a very tough encounter. He played some incredible tennis, but I was serving very well, especially in the end and in the crucial moments.

“Standing here again, in the final, means very, very much to me.”

Earlier, Lehecka, the 21st seed, defeated Frenchman Arthur Fils 6-2 6-2 in an hour and 15 minutes to reach his first Masters 1,000 final.

“I’m very excited that I’m in a final,” said Lehecka.

“At the same time, it’s just a sport. There are more important things going on in the world right now.

“I’m just trying to do what I do best.”