Particle.news
Download on the App Store
34 ARTICLES
·
3w ago

Czechia Stuns USA to Reach Davis Cup Final 8 After Late-Night Decider in Delray Beach

Jiri Lehecka’s upset of Taylor Fritz flipped the tie before Jakub Mensik closed out Frances Tiafoe to complete a 3-2 comeback.

Tennis - Davis Cup - Qualifiers - Second Round - Australia v Belgium - Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney, Australia - September 14, 2025 Belgium's Raphael Collignon celebrates with Zizou Bergs after winning his singles match against Australia's Aleksandar Vukic REUTERS/Hollie Adams
Image
Image
Tennis - Davis Cup - Qualifiers - Second Round - Australia v Belgium - Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney, Australia - September 14, 2025 Australia's Aleksandar Vukic looks dejected with Alex de Minaur after losing his singles match against Belgium's Raphael Collignon REUTERS/Hollie Adams

Overview

  • The victory sends Czechia to November’s eight-nation Finals in Bologna and eliminates the 32-time champion United States.
  • Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram edged Tomas Machac and Jakub Mensik in a rain-delayed doubles to put the U.S. ahead 2-1, but Lehecka leveled with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 win over Fritz.
  • Mensik then defeated Tiafoe 6-1, 6-4 around midnight after starting with 12 straight points, capping a day disrupted by a lengthy lightning delay.
  • U.S. chances were hindered by the absences of Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul and by Fritz’s illness during the week, according to team and media reports.
  • Elsewhere, Germany, Argentina, Austria and France qualified alongside defending champion Italy for Bologna, while India beat Switzerland 3-1 in Biel to reach the 2026 Qualifiers as Sumit Nagal topped Henry Bernet after debutant Dhakshineshwar Suresh’s opening-day upset of Jerome Kym.