Lehecka Shocks Fritz, Mensik Secures Czechia’s Davis Cup Comeback Against USA
Czechia punches its ticket to the Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna.
Date: September 14, 2025
Rich Storry/Getty Images for ITF
Czechia rejoices after a hard-fought 3-2 victory against the USA on Saturday in Delray Beach.
By ATP Staff
When Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram clinched a tightly contested doubles match Saturday in Delray Beach, it appeared the United States held the upper hand in the Davis Cup Qualifiers. However, Jiri Lehecka and Jakub Mensik had different intentions.
Lehecka pulled off a stunning upset against Taylor Fritz, the No. 5 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, keeping Czechia in the mix. Mensik then sealed the 3-2 victory with a late-night win over Frances Tiafoe.
Amidst a lengthy lightning delay in Florida, Lehecka took to the court at the Delray Beach Open knowing he needed to turn around an 0-4 record against Fritz. The recent US Open quarter-finalist set the stage for an epic showdown, overcoming the American 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.
Fritz battled valiantly against Lehecka, who had previously lost to him in Toronto’s final-set tie-break just two months back. However, Lehecka kept the pressure on, earning 17 break points and converting three to square the tie at 2-2.
This victory set the stage for Mensik, who earlier this year captured ATP Masters 1000 glory at the Miami Open presented by Itau. The 23-year-old showcased his skills by dispatching Tiafoe 6-1, 6-4 around midnight, propelling Czechia to Bologna.
Krajicek and Ram, silver medalists at the Paris Olympics, initially put the United States ahead with a gritty 7-6(6), 5-7, 6-4 win over Tomas Machac and Mensik.
Already secured spots in the Davis Cup Final 8 are defending champions Italy, alongside Czechia, Argentina, Austria, Germany, and France.
