Key Takeaways
- Ben Shelton declared that Team USA has “unfinished business with the Davis Cup” and holds “a real shot of winning it all” ahead of their tie in Czechia.
- The 23-year-old welcomes the prospect of his first away Davis Cup tie, stating, “hopefully they come loud and hostile!”
- Reflecting on his 2024 debut loss against Australia, Shelton explained: “I definitely learned a lot from it – how to deal with pressure and different situations.”
American squad targets revenge in Prague qualifying tie
Fresh off reaching the final of the US Open less than a week ago, Ben Shelton has quickly shifted his focus to national duty. The world number four has joined the United States squad in Prague to contest their Davis Cup qualifying tie against Czechia, looking to reverse last year’s outcome at the very same stage.
Shelton enters the tie as the second-highest-ranked player involved across the qualifiers, trailing only the competitor who defeated him in New York, Alexander Zverev. With Team USA aiming to return to the pinnacle of international team tennis, Shelton is eager to make an impact alongside teammates Learner Tien, Christian Harrison, and Austin Krajicek.
“I’m happy to be here, excited to be a part of this team; we’ve got a great squad. Looking forward to getting started competing tomorrow. It’s always an honour to play with the USA on the chest, and I’m super excited and happy to be here,” Shelton stated when speaking to the Davis Cup media team.
The American expressed clear conviction about the potential of the group, outlining their aspirations for the remainder of the competition. “It would mean everything to get back there [to the Davis Cup Finals], I think we’ve got unfinished business with the Davis Cup. I think we have a real shot of winning it all, and looking forward to starting that journey here in Czechia.”
Chasing historical glory amid a title drought
Although the United States occupies fifth place in the current official team standings, they hold the all-time record for the most tournament victories. However, it has been nearly two decades since their last triumph in 2007, when Andy Roddick, James Blake, and Bob and Mike Bryan defeated Russia in Portland.
| Rank | Country | Titles | Most recent title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA | 32 | 2007 |
| 2 | Australia | 28 | 2003 |
| T-3 | France | 10 | 2017 |
| T-3 | Great Britain | 10 | 2015 |
| 5 | Sweden | 7 | 1998 |
| 6 | Spain | 6 | 2019 |
| 7 | Italy | 4 | 2025 |
| T-8 | Russia | 3 | 2021 |
| T-8 | Czechia | 3 | 2013 |
| T-8 | Germany | 3 | 1993 |
To begin rectifying that gap, the Americans must first overcome a formidable three-time champion Czech side on their home turf. That challenge is precisely what the 23-year-old is anticipating as he prepares for his first away tie.
“I think it will be great; I’m excited. I’ve never played an away tie for the Davis Cup. It’s something I’ve always been looking forward to in my tennis career; hopefully they come loud and hostile!” he noted.
Thriving in the collective environment and learning from past defeats
Relying on his collegiate background with the Florida Gators, Shelton embraces the distinct pressure and atmosphere generated by team tennis. He sees unity as the critical factor for success in Prague.
“I think it’s all about the team here. The collective group, being able to work as a team, support each other, get the best out of all of our teammates, and find a way to come out of here with the win,” he explained. “For me, the team environment, playing for something bigger than yourself, being a part of something bigger than yourself is something I’ve always enjoyed from back when I was playing in college, and I think that’s the best part of this format.”
Shelton is slated for two singles rubbers over the weekend, opening against Jiri Lehecka on Friday, September 18, before facing Jakub Mensik on Saturday, September 19. Looking ahead, he also drew on the lessons from his 2024 debut in Malaga, where he suffered a narrow 1-6, 6-4, 6-7 (14-16) loss to Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis before falling in doubles alongside Tommy Paul against Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson.
“Crazy match; it was unfortunate to go down to Australia the first time that I played. I certainly would like to have that one back, having had some match points. But I definitely learned a lot from it – how to deal with pressure and different situations. I’m really looking forward to having another shot this year,” Shelton concluded.
Ben Shelton in 2026
Currently the world no.4 (career-high), Shelton played his last match on the 13th of September when he was defeated by world no.2 Alexander Zverev 6-3 7-6(2) 5-7 6-2 in the final of the U.S. Open (draw).
At present, during this year Ben has managed to achieve a 39-14 match record. The American has won 4 titles in 2026 in Dallas, Munich, Stuttgart and Montreal.
