By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, September 18, 2026
Photo credit: Australian Open Facebook
Conceding he felt jitters in his Davis Cup debut, Learner Tien delivered discomfort to Czechia.
The left-handed Tien shredded Jakub Mensik 6-2, 6-4, staking the United States to a 1-0 lead over host Czechia on the hard court of the O2 Arena in Prague.
“It fees amazing,” Tien said. “It feels even better that I can do it representing my country.
“I always love representing my country. For me, it’s my first time playing Davis Cup, but I love being part of the team.”
US Open finalist Ben Shelton faces Czechia’s Jiri Lehecka in today’s second singles match in the best-of-five-match. The first nation to score three wins will advance to the Davis Cup Final 8.
The 20-year-ol Tien defeated the 21-year-old Mensik for the third time in as many meetings, including his second victor over the Czech power player this month. Tien topped former Miami Open champion Mensik in the third round of the US Open almost two weeks ago, coming from down two sets to one to post a physically-demanding 6-3, 1-6, 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-4 on Louis Armstrong Stadium in a match that finished after 1:30 a.m.
Today, Tien came out spinning drives into the corners converting four of his seven break-point chances against one of the game’s most powerful servers.
The combination of Tien’s controlled aggression and Mensiki’s uncharacteristic sloppy play helped the American left-hander take charge early. Roland Garros semifinalist Mensik committed 34 unforced errors, 19 more than Tien.
“I knew I was playing the first match,” Tien said. “I really wanted to set the tone for my team.
“I came out playing really focused. I mean every time we play it’s always tough. I think today’s it’s tougher than the scoreline indicates. I’m really happy to get the win.”
Serving at 4-3 in the second set, Tien saved a break point then drained a couple of errors holding for 5-3 with a clenched fist toward his teammates.
Tien fired a forehand winner down the line on his second match point to close a comprehensive victory in 63 minutes.
2026 Davis Cup Qualifying Second Round
USA vs. Czechia
September 18-19
O2 Arena (Indoor Hard Court)
Prague, Czechia
Television Coverage: Tennis Channel
Friday, September 18 at 3 p.m. local (9 a.m. Eastern time)
Learner Tien (USA) d. Jakub Mensik (CZE) 6-2, 6-4
Ben Shelton (USA) v. Jiri Lehecka (CZE)
Saturday, September 19 at 2 p.m. local (8 a.m. Eastern time)
Christian Harrison / Austin Krajicek (USA) v. Adam Pavlasek/Patrik Rikl (CZE)
Ben Shelton (USA) v. Jakub Mensik (CZE)
Learner Tien (USA) v. Jiri Lehecka (USA)
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