Ben Shelton Leads U.S. Into Davis Cup Showdown as Generali Begins New Era

Ben Shelton is back in red, white and blue, and this time a trip to Bologna is on the line.

Fresh off his run to the US Open final, the former Florida Gator will lead the United States against Czechia in a Davis Cup Qualifying Second Round tie Friday and Saturday at Prague’s O2 Arena. Learner Tien, meanwhile, will make his Davis Cup debut in a rematch of one of the US Open’s late-night thrillers.

The tie arrives as Davis Cup itself enters a new era. World Tennis announced this week that insurance and asset-management giant Generali has signed a multi-year global deal to become presenting partner of the 126-year-old competition, which is now officially branded the Davis Cup by Generali.

Above: A look at the Davis Cup trophy. Photo credit: World Tennis.

Generali will receive worldwide broadcast integration, major arena visibility and prominent court-backdrop branding throughout Davis Cup events. The company joins a commercial portfolio that includes Rolex, Visa, MG, Fage, Corpay and Betsson.

For the Americans, however, the immediate business is Czechia.

Tien, 20 and ranked No. 13, opens Friday against world No. 15 Jakub Mensik. The matchup comes less than two weeks after Tien rallied from two sets to one down to defeat Mensik in five sets at the US Open, finishing after 1:30 a.m.

Above: The U.S. team about to face off against Czechia. Photo: USTA.

Then comes Shelton against Jiri Lehecka. Shelton, ranked No. 4, owns a 3-0 career record against the Czech, including a three-set victory on grass in Stuttgart earlier this season.

Shelton’s appearance gives the tie a distinct Florida connection. The Gainesville native became an NCAA singles champion and the nation’s No. 1-ranked collegiate player during his career at the University of Florida before turning professional.

Saturday begins with Christian Harrison and former doubles world No. 1 Austin Krajicek scheduled to face Adam Pavlasek and Patrik Rikl. Reverse singles would follow, with Shelton slated to face Mensik and Tien scheduled against Lehecka.

The first team to win three matches advances to the eight-team Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna, Italy, November 24-29.

Friday’s play begins at 9 a.m. ET, with Saturday starting at 8 a.m. ET. Tennis Channel will carry the tie in the United States.

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By Florida Tennis Staff. Sources: USTA; Davis Cup / World Tennis; Florida Gators.

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