Contrasting Davis Cup results for US Open finalists
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AP:
Ben Shelton missed the chance to send the United States into the Davis Cup Final 8 yesterday as he suffered a second straight singles defeat against the Czech Republic.
The US Open finalist lost 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 to Jakub Mensik in Prague, levelling the best-of-five series at 2-2. The defeat came a day after he was beaten by Jiri Lehecka.
American pair Christian Harrison and Austin Krajicek had earlier given the United States a 2-1 lead after defeating Adam Pavlasek and Patrik Riki 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (8) in doubles.
Austria secured its place in the Final 8 after Jurji Rodionov beat Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 7-6, 6-3 to build an unassailable 3-1 lead. Austria also won the doubles on the outdoor clay in Vienna after the teams split the opening singles matches a day earlier.
Toby Samuel and Wimbledon semi-finalist Arthur Fery won their singles matches as Britain opened a 2-0 lead over Ecuador at home.
Zverev wins for Germany
Alexander Zverev gave Germany a 1-0 lead over Croatia with a 6-4, 7-6 (3) victory over Matej Dodig before Dino Prizmic levelled the tie by beating Daniel Altmaier 6-4, 6-3.
It was Zverev’s first match since defeating Shelton in the US Open final last weekend. The 29-year-old claimed his first Grand Slam title at the French Open in June.
The world No. 2, who struck 15 aces, dominated on the indoor hard court in Halle, Germany, with Dodig failing to earn a break-point opportunity.
The doubles and reverse singles are scheduled for today in the best-of-five series. The winning team will advance to the Final 8 in Bologna, Italy, in November.
South Korea makes Davis Cup history for Asia
South Korea earlier became the first Asian nation to reach the Final 8 after sealing a 3-1 victory over India.
The South Koreans rallied from a set down in both singles matches on Friday to take a 2-0 lead.
They lost the opening doubles match yesterday, but Soonwoo Kwon secured the tie by defeating Sumit Nagal 6-1, 6-2 in the first reverse singles.
The Final 8 format was introduced in 2022.