Tennis

Czech Republic Eliminates United States to Secure Davis Cup Final 8 Spot

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 20, 2026, 02:36 IST

The Czech Republic advanced to the Davis Cup Final 8 after Jakub Mensik and Jiri Lehecka secured decisive singles victories against Ben Shelton and Learner Tien, ending the United States' campaign in the tournament.

Czech Republic Eliminates United States to Secure Davis Cup Final 8 Spot

The Czech Republic has secured its place in the Davis Cup Final 8 after a dramatic comeback victory over the United States in Prague. The hosts overturned a 2-1 deficit in the best-of-five series, with Jakub Mensik and Jiri Lehecka delivering clinical performances in the decisive singles matches to eliminate the Americans.

The United States had briefly held the advantage earlier in the day when Christian Harrison and Austin Krajicek claimed a hard-fought doubles victory against Adam Pavlasek and Patrik Riki. The American pair triumphed 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (8), putting their team within reach of the next round. However, the momentum shifted firmly back to the home side as the singles action resumed.

Czech Singles Dominance Seals Victory

Jakub Mensik ignited the crowd by overcoming U.S. Open finalist Ben Shelton in a three-set battle. Despite dropping the opening set, Mensik rallied to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, leveling the series at 2-2. The defeat marked a difficult weekend for Shelton, who also fell to Lehecka in his previous outing.

With the tie hanging in the balance, Jiri Lehecka stepped onto the court for the deciding rubber against Learner Tien. Lehecka maintained his composure to secure a 6-3, 7-5 victory, officially ending the American challenge and sending the Czech Republic through to the Final 8, which is scheduled to take place in Bologna, Italy, this November.

International Davis Cup Developments

Elsewhere in the competition, Austria confirmed their progression to the Final 8 after Jurji Rodionov defeated Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 7-6, 6-3. This result established an insurmountable 3-1 lead for the Austrians, who had also secured a doubles win on the outdoor clay in Vienna. Meanwhile, Great Britain established a 2-0 lead over Ecuador following singles victories from Toby Samuel and Arthur Fery.

In Halle, Alexander Zverev provided Germany with a strong start against Croatia, firing 15 aces in a 6-4, 7-6 (3) win over Matej Dodig. Although Dino Prizmic leveled the series for Croatia by defeating Daniel Altmaier, the tie remains finely poised ahead of Sunday’s concluding matches. Additionally, South Korea made history by becoming the first Asian nation to reach the Final 8, clinching a 3-1 victory over India after Soonwoo Kwan defeated Sumit Nagal 6-1, 6-2 in the reverse singles.