Men’s quarterfinal preview

By Harvey Fialkov / Staff writer

Why Landaluce? He’s the fifth qualifier ever to reach the Miami quarterfinals and lowest ranked to do so since No. 185 Jim Grabb in 1994. He has been practicing with his mentor and idol Rafael Nadal at Nadal’s academy since he was 14. The Spaniard was the world No.1 ranked junior and won the US Open boys title in 2022.

Why Lehecka? This is his third Masters 1000 quarterfinal and he is the fifth Czechian man to reach the quarters in Indian Wells (2024) and now Miami in his career. He played a high-level match in beating No. 7 Taylor Fritz, slamming 10 aces, while saving all five breakpoints. He converted all 12 points at net and did not record a double fault.

Head-to-Head: No Meetings

During the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 23, 2026 in Miami Gardens (Photo by Kelly Gavin/South Florida Stadium)

Why Fils? The powerful Frenchman reached the quarters here last year until a sore back hindered his play in a loss to eventual champion Jakub Mensik. He’s healthy again and it showed in reaching the quarters at Indian Wells and finals at Doha. In his three matches here in Miami, Fils has faced five break points and has not lost his serve, while winning points on an average of 84 percent of his first serves.

Why Paul? Paul loves sleeping in his own bed in Boca Raton, and it showed as he made the finals of Delray Beach last month. He is into his first Miami quarterfinal. Paul can match Fils with his court coverage and defensive skills but must figure out a way to break the Frenchman’s serve.

Head-to-head: Paul 1-0 (Rd of 32 2023 Shanghai, 3-setter)