US fall to Czechs in Davis Cup qualifiers

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Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic in Davis Cup action at Delray Beach in Florida on Sept 13.

PHOTO: REUTERS

PARIS – The Czech Republic upset record champions the United States 3-2 to advance in Davis Cup second-round qualifiers on Sept 13.

The US-Czech clash at Delray Beach, Florida, came down to a decisive final singles match in which Czech Jakub Mensik defeated American Frances Tiafoe 6-1, 6-4.

Mensik won the first 12 points of the match, holding twice in the span for a 3-0 lead on the way to a lopsided first-set victory.

They exchanged breaks to start the second set but Mensik broke again on a backhand cross-court volley winner for a 5-4 lead and held with an ace to send the Czechs to the Davis Cup Finals.

US captain and retired doubles legend Bob Bryan said: “I didn’t think Frances was hitting the ball poorly tonight. He went up against someone who was seeing it very big.

“He had a small window in the first set and he didn’t take it, and against a player that’s playing that well, if you don’t take your opportunities, it can run away from you. But I don’t think Frances is in a bad spot.”

Germany, Argentina, Austria and France also advanced to join defending champions Italy in the eight-team Finals at Bologna in November.

The Americans, record 32-time winners who have not lifted