A final in New York, a setback in Prague
One week. That is the gap between Ben Shelton’s run to the US Open final and his straight-sets defeat in Davis Cup.
Jiri Lehecka beat him 6-4, 6-4 on Friday in Prague. One hour and 34 minutes. No third set, no late drama. The Czech got the job done in front of his own fans.
The American still had the edge going on court. Learner Tien had just swept aside Jakub Mensik 6-2, 6-4 in the opening rubber. The USA were 1-0 up. Shelton was supposed to keep the pressure on.
Instead, he let it slip. 1-1. It all comes down to Saturday.
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Three matches to separate Czechia and the United States
Saturday’s schedule is packed. First up, the doubles: Christian Harrison and Austin Krajicek against Adam Pavlasek and Patrik Rikl. Then the reverse singles. Mensik meets Shelton again. Lehecka takes on Tien.
So Shelton gets another crack. Different opponent, same high-wire tie, and one swing of the momentum could turn on a single point.
There is more at stake than pride. Seven spots are up for grabs around the world this weekend. Seven teams will join reigning champions Italy for the finals in Bologna from 24 to 29 November.
Two comebacks in Seoul, a split in Vienna
In Vienna, Austria and Belgium split the day. Jurij Rodionov put the hosts ahead by beating Gauthier Onclin 6-4, 6-1. Zizou Bergs hit back against Lukas Neumayer: 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. One set down, two up, and level again.
In Seoul, South Korea moved two points clear of India. Soonwoo Kwon came from behind to beat Dhakshineswar Suresh (3-6, 6-3, 6-4). Hyeon Chung did the same against Sumit Nagal (2-6, 6-4, 7-5). Two comebacks in one day, same story for the Koreans, who need just one more point.
Shelton, though, did not get that luxury. Two sets, nothing to negotiate.
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