By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, September 18, 2026
Photo credit: European Open Facebook
Facing the pressure of a Davis Cup deficit, Jiri Lehecka found the flow to level Czechia with the United States.
Playing with calm control, Lehecka beat Ben Shelton 6-4, 6-4 on the hard court of Prague’s O2 Arena today.
It was Lehecka’s 13th career Davis Cup singles victory, which is fifth on Czechia’s all-time Davis Cup singles leaders list. Czechia captain Tomas Berdych (29-15) is Czechia’s all-time singles win leader.
Lehecka broke early in both sets then saved break points in the second set for his first Top 5 victory in a year.
“Definitely wasn’t easy at all,” Lehecka said. “We all had a chance to see what Ben’s capable of [at the US Open].
“Today, he was a super tough opponent. I just kept my ground. I just believed in every point. In each set, I had one chance that I took and I just held it with everything I had. I’m super happy with this win.”
On Sunday, Shelton pushed top-seeded Alexander Zverev to four sets in the US Open final in Flushing Meadows. Back at it on the indoor hard court in Prague, Shelton did not play poorly, but Lehecka had the answers on pivotal points and frequently took the first strike in baseline rallies.
Seven years after his Davis Cup debut, the 24-year-old Lehecka took down the US Open finalist to forge a 1-all tie in the best-of-five match Davis Cup Qualifying Second Round tie. The first nation to score three wins will advance to the Davis Cup Final 8.
Earlier, left-handed Learner Tien shredded Jakub Mensik 6-2, 6-4, staking the United States to a 1-0 lead over host Czechia.
It was a dazzling Davis Cup debut for Tien, beat former Miami Open champion Mensik for the third time in as many meetings, following a five-set comeback victory on Louis Armstrong Stadium at the US Open earlier this month.
“It feels 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.”
World No. 24 Lehecka walked onto court greeted by roars from the vocal Czech fans and rode that wave of emotion to score the early break against Shelton.
“In matches like this you need to be in the flow state,” Lehecka said. “That’s what I focused on today. To not get distracted by anything.
“The support I had today in Prague was tremendous. I never ever had support like that. It’s an experience for a lifetime.”
The flat-hitting Czech pressured Shelton’s second serve from the start.
In his second service game, Shelton fended off three break points to hold.
Still, Lehecka kept coming. Shelton double faulted to face two more break points. Lehecka lashed a deep return for two more break points. When Shelton misfired on a backhand, Lehecka snatched the break for a 3-2 lead.
The pair traded mis-hits before Lehecka flicked a clever backhand lob that cleared the 6’4” American’s head. Though Shelton tried the tweener it was all for naught as Lehecka confirmed the break for 4-2.
A focused Lehecka tore through a love hold for 5-3. On his second point, Lehecka wrapped up an impressive opening set when Shelton stuck a forehand down the line into the net.
Continuing to fire flat drives and assert his authority in baseline rallies, Lehecka broke for a 2-1 second-set lead. Shelton earned two break points for a shot to break back but missed a leaping high smash on the second. Lehecka withstood a tight test consolidating for a 3-1 second-set lead.
On his second match point, Lehecka bunted a volley that landed mid-court. Shelton swooped in for a forehand pass.
Resetting, Lehecka hammered a serve winner down the T for a third match point. Lehecka worked his way to net drawing a running forehand pass into the net from the American to close in one hour, 32 minutes with a massive primal scream of success.
It was Lehecka’s first Top 5 victory since he beat Taylor Fritz to help lift Czechia to a 3-2 win over the host United States in the 2025 Davis Cup tie in Delray Beach, Florida.
It all sets up for a dramatic day of play on Saturday.
“All of us, we will do whatever we can to prepare well to recover well for what’s waiting for us tomorrow,” Lehecka said. “We will do whatever we can to win the tie.”
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
Jiri Lehecka (CZE) d. Ben Shelton (USA) 6-4, 6-4
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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