The United States is the most successful team in Davis Cup history, having won the event 32 times since the tournament’s inception in 1900. But then, in stark contrast, the last time they won the coveted trophy was nearly two decades ago after defeating Russia 4-1 in 2007. In 2024, Australia ousted the American team in the QF stage. But this time? The national team couldn’t even qualify for the prestigious event after a crushing defeat against Czechia last week. Who is to blame for this debacle? A former ATP pro has the answer. He thinks that the absence of two key players in the contingent is the reason.

Czechia beat the US 3-2 in Davis Cup qualifiers. Thanks to the young ATP sensation Jakub Mensik. He bested Frances Tiafoe in the deciding singles battle in Delray Beach, Florida. Before this match, both the countries were tied at 2-2. In the first singles tie, Czechia’s Jiri Lehecka dominated Tiafoe. But then Taylor Fritz leveled the fight 1-1 after his win against Mensik. In the third encounter – featuring a doubles format – American players Austin Krajicek and Rajiv Ram beat the pair of Mensik and Tomas Machac. However, in the fourth match, Lehecka bested Fritz to once again level the overall scores to 2-2 before Mensik’s heroics against Tiafoe.

Former pro John Isner has decoded the reason for this loss. During an episode of the Nothing Major podcast, Isner shared some crucial observations. Per him, the lack of two players perhaps costed America a place in Davis Cup main draw. “I think Bob (Bryan) was dealt a tough hand with the fact that Ben (Shelton) and Tommy Paul were not available.” He added, “So you know his options were, I mean so many good American players, but a bit limited, you know, you would have liked to have possibly had a Ben or Tommy in that situation.”

Isner also underlined that “Frances didn’t play his best clearly. So it was a tough draw, and the rain on Saturday was brutal, like long rain delays. There wasn’t much atmosphere there for Frances’ last match, which he likes to play in front of a big crowd. So it was a tough one, but again a very tough draw also.”

Given that Tiafoe lost both his singles matches, Isner believes that Shelton would have managed to secure wins to lead the United States into the last eight. Lately, the 22-year-old has gained quite a lot of backing from many notable tennis bigwigs when it comes to being one of the brightest American players of the future, especially after his sensational triumph in Canada.

When Ben Shelton created history for America in Toronto

Last month, Ben Shelton achieved the biggest title of his career. Playing in the final of the Canadian Open in Toronto, he beat Karen Khachanov to win his maiden ATP Masters 1000 event. Although Khachanov snatched the first set in a tiebreak, Shelton didn’t lose his focus. He clawed his way back to lift the trophy with a final scoreline of 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(3).

Undoubtedly, the 22-year-old was overwhelmed by his victory. “It’s a surreal feeling,” he admitted in the post-match interview. Reflecting on his entire campaign in Toronto, he added, “It’s been a long week, not an easy path to the final. My best tennis came out when it mattered most. I was clutch, I persevered, I was resilient. All the qualities I like to see in myself.”

With his biggest career win, Shelton also became the youngest American to win an ATP Masters 1000 title since Andy Roddick in 2004. The latter won the Miami Open when he was just 21-years-old back in the day.

After Toronto, Shelton’s campaigns in Cincinnati and the US Open weren’t as expected. He was ousted in the QF and third round, respectively. However, the world No.6 has got a lot to focus on moving forward. Next up, he will be seen during the Laver Cup this month, playing for Team World.