The anticipation is palpable in Delray Beach, Florida, as the United States and Czechia gear up for their crucial Davis Cup qualifier this weekend. With the Final 8 spots for the 2025 Davis Cup on the line, both teams have arrived with loaded rosters, determined coaches, and a sense of urgency that only the world’s premier international tennis competition can inspire. The Delray Beach Tennis Center, already buzzing from days of intense practice, is set to host some of the sport’s brightest stars from September 12 to 14, with every serve and rally carrying the weight of national pride.
On September 10, both squads took to the courts for their final practice sessions, giving fans and media a glimpse of the high-octane action to come. The Czech team, led by rising stars Jakub Mensik, Jiri Lehecka, and Tomas Machac, looked sharp as they drilled under the watchful eye of coach Tomas Berdych. Meanwhile, the American contingent, featuring Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and Tommy Paul, worked through their own paces, overseen by coaches Mike Bryan, Mark Bey, and Bob Bryan. The atmosphere was equal parts focused and relaxed, with players joking between points but never losing sight of what’s at stake.
For the Czech team, all eyes are on Jakub Mensik, who has emerged as one of the ATP Tour’s most formidable servers. As of the week of September 8, Mensik leads all top-20 players in aces per match, averaging a jaw-dropping 20.3 across his last three matches, with 61 aces fired in total. That’s not just a stat—it’s a statement. Mensik, currently ranked 17th in the world, brings a 30-18 win-loss record into the Davis Cup tie, including a title run in Miami earlier this year. His last match, a grueling five-set battle against Ugo Blanchet in the US Open’s second round, may not have ended in victory, but it showcased his resilience and booming serve—two assets Czechia will count on heavily against the Americans.
"I’m feeling confident with my serve and my game right now," Mensik said during practice, cooling off with an icy towel in the Florida heat. "The Davis Cup is always special, and playing for my country gives me extra motivation." According to GREG LOVETT of the Palm Beach Post, Mensik was a constant presence on court, alternating between punishing serves and moments of levity with teammate Jiri Lehecka. The camaraderie between the Czech players was evident, with Lehecka and Mensik exchanging serves and encouragement as they prepared for the American challenge.
The United States, however, will not be an easy hurdle. Taylor Fritz, ranked 5th in the world, leads a squad that includes the powerful Ben Shelton (ATP rank 6), the dynamic Frances Tiafoe (29), and the consistent Tommy Paul (15). Fritz and Shelton, both known for their aggressive baseline play and big serves, are expected to anchor the singles matches, while the doubles could see any combination of the American stars. Reilly Opelka, another ace machine, has been spotted practicing and may play a role if needed, especially given his own Davis Cup experience and ability to rack up service winners—he’s second only to Mensik in aces per match this season, with an average of 16.3.
Practice sessions have been intense, with Opelka taking breaks from the Florida heat and the Bryan brothers—Mike and Bob—providing tactical input. "The guys are locked in," said Mike Bryan. "Everyone knows how much this tie means. The Davis Cup always brings out the best in us." The US squad, which breezed past Chinese Taipei 4-0 in February’s qualifiers, is determined to keep that momentum rolling and secure a place in the November finals in Bologna, Italy.
The stakes are high: only the winner of this best-of-five tie will move on to the Final 8 in Bologna, set for November 18-23 at the BolognaFiere exhibition centre. The new Davis Cup format, introduced in 2025, features a knockout stage with seven teams joining host Italy. Each tie is played over three days, with four singles and one doubles match—first to three wins advances. For the Americans, playing on home soil is a distinct advantage, but Czechia’s young guns are eager to spoil the party.
Jiri Lehecka, ranked 16th, and Tomas Machac, at 22, round out a Czech singles lineup that’s both youthful and dangerous. Petr Brunclik (438) and doubles specialist Adam Pavlasek (33) provide depth, especially if the tie goes down to the wire. The Czech team’s blend of power and poise was on display during practice, with Lehecka in particular showing off his trademark forehand and Machac working tirelessly on his return game. Coach Tomas Berdych, himself a former Davis Cup champion, stressed the importance of team unity and focus: "We respect the American team, but we believe in our guys. They’ve worked hard all year for this moment."
As for the American side, the depth is remarkable. Tiafoe’s flair and Paul’s consistency give captain Bob Bryan plenty of options, especially if the tie gets tight. The Americans have a proud Davis Cup tradition and are eager to add another chapter, especially after Italy’s triumph in 2024 and the new knockout format raising the stakes. The Delray Beach crowd is expected to be vocal, giving the hosts a boost, but the Czech supporters are making their presence felt as well.
Looking across the Davis Cup landscape, this weekend’s qualifier is just one of several high-profile ties. Australia faces Belgium in Sydney, Spain hosts Denmark in Marbella, and Croatia takes on France in Osijek, among others. But few matchups carry the intrigue and firepower of United States vs. Czechia, with both teams boasting top-20 singles players and a blend of youth and experience. The winner will join the likes of Argentina, Germany, Austria, Japan, and others in the November showdown in Bologna, where the world’s best will battle for the ultimate team prize in men’s tennis.
With the action set to begin, all eyes are on Delray Beach. Will Mensik’s serving barrage tilt the balance for Czechia? Or will Fritz and the Americans hold firm on home turf? One thing’s for sure: the next three days will be packed with drama, passion, and the kind of tennis that makes the Davis Cup an enduring spectacle. As the teams make their final preparations, the tennis world waits—rackets ready, nerves tingling, and glory within reach.
