PRAGUE, Czech Republic.
Czechia produced a memorable comeback in front of a packed O2 Arena on Saturday, defeating the United States 3-2 to reach the Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna. After the Americans had taken a 2-1 lead following a dramatic doubles victory, the home team relied on its two leading singles players, Jakub Mensik and Jiri Lehecka, to turn the tie around and eliminate the United States for the second consecutive year.
The Americans opened the day with an important victory in doubles, as Christian Harrison and Austin Krajicek battled past Adam Pavlasek and Patrik Rikl 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(8) in a thrilling deciding-set tiebreak. Ben Shelton then put the U.S. within one victory of qualification before Mensik and Lehecka responded under enormous pressure. Mensik defeated Shelton 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, while Lehecka completed the comeback by beating Learner Tien 6-3, 7-5.
Davis Cup Photo
The tie capped another demanding Davis Cup campaign for the United States. Earlier this year, Bob Bryan’s team made an impressive start by sweeping Hungary 4-0 on the road, with Ethan Quinn, Tommy Paul, Christian Harrison/Austin Krajicek and Emilio Nava all contributing victories. The Americans had also reached the 2025 Final 8 after a strong qualifying campaign, but their run ended in the second round against Czechia, which won that tie 3-2 in Delray Beach.
The U.S. will therefore have to return to the qualifying process in 2027. The draw, opponent and host nation for the Americans’ next tie will be announced at a later date. Despite the disappointment in Prague, the recent Davis Cup campaigns have given Bob Bryan the opportunity to introduce several younger players to the team environment while continuing to rely on experienced doubles specialists such as Krajicek.
Friday, September 18 results:
Learner Tien (USA) def. Jakub Mensik (CZE), 6-2, 6-4
Jiri Lehecka (CZE) def. Ben Shelton (USA), 6-4, 6-4
Christian Harrison/Austin Krajicek (USA) def. Adam Pavlasek/Patrik Rikl (CZE), 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(8)
Jakub Mensik (CZE) def. Ben Shelton (USA), 5-7, 6-4, 6-3
Jiri Lehecka (CZE) def. Learner Tien (USA), 6-3, 7-5