The United States and Czechia finished the opening day of their Davis Cup qualifying tie level at 1-1 in Prague after Jiri Lehecka defeated Ben Shelton 6-4, 6-4 at the O2 Arena on Friday, 18 September 2026.

Lehecka controls the key moments

Lehecka broke Shelton early in both sets and protected his advantage on the indoor hard court. Shelton was unable to turn his serve into the sustained pressure the American needed.

Tien keeps USA in the tie

Earlier, Learner Tien earned the United States’ point by defeating Jakub Mensik. That result meant Lehecka’s victory restored parity rather than putting Czechia ahead.

The 1-1 score leaves the second day decisive, with doubles and reverse singles set to determine which nation advances.

Verified tie facts

  • Competition: Davis Cup qualifying, second round
  • Date: 18 September 2026
  • Venue: O2 Arena, Prague
  • Opening-day score: Czechia 1-1 United States
  • Jiri Lehecka beat Ben Shelton 6-4, 6-4
  • Learner Tien beat Jakub Mensik

Reuters reported the opening-day results, while the official Davis Cup site confirmed the tie context and Prague venue.