Ben Shelton, back in action after reaching the U.S. Open final last week, lost his Davis Cup match Friday as the U.S. team split the opening two singles matches with the Czech Republic in Prague during the opening day of second-round qualifying.
Jiri Lehecka downed Shelton 6-4, 6-4 in 1 hour, 34 minutes, pulling the Czech team even. In the first singles match, the United States’ Learner Tien defeated Jakub Mensik 6-2, 6-4.
The series will conclude on Saturday with three matches. The doubles match will feature the United States’ Christian Harrison and Austin Krajicek opposing Adam Pavlasek and Patrik Rikl, with the reverse singles clashes to follow: Mensik vs. Shelton and Lehecka vs. Tien.
Davis Cup series are being contested worldwide this weekend to determine the seven teams that will join defending champion Italy in the final stage at Bologna, Italy, from Nov. 24-29.
In Quebec City, Canada jumped out to a 2-0 lead over France. Liam Draxl, ranked 205th in the world, upset 32nd-ranked Arthur Rinderknech 6-2, 7-5, before Felix Auger-Aliassime topped Quentin Halys 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-3.
Austria and Belgium split a pair of matches in Vienna. The hosts grabbed a lead when Jurij Rodionov beat Gauthier Onclin 6-4, 6-1, but Zizou Bergs pulled the Belgians level with a 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 triumph over Lukas Neumayer.
South Korea established a 2-0 advantage over India in Seoul. Soonwoo Kwon rallied past Dhakshineswar Suresh 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, and Hyeon Chung overtook Sumit Nagal 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.
–Field Level Media
