Frances Tiafoe’s disappointing 2025 season continued on home soil as he fell to Czech No. 1 Jiri Lehecka in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, in the Davis Cup. Despite the packed support in the stands, Tiafoe never found his footing and left Team USA trailing early.
Fortunately for the hosts, Taylor Fritz steadied the ship. The American No. 1 delivered a composed performance against rising star Jakub Mensik, earning a 6-4, 6-3 victory to bring the tie level heading into the doubles rubber.
However, Fritz revealed after the match that his performance came while battling illness. Speaking during his press conference, he admitted he had been struggling physically since his U.S. Open campaign.
“I’m sick,” Fritz said. “Like, I felt like two of the practices I had in the days leading up kind of didn’t feel right. I felt like I was getting so, just exhausted for no reason. I kind of felt like maybe some sickness was coming on.”
All even after day one!
— USTA (@usta) September 13, 2025
Taylor Fritz evens it up heading into a big Saturday in Delray Beach. pic.twitter.com/8Z4alx6KFU
The 27-year-old explained how the illness worsened in the days before his Davis Cup match. “Two nights ago, I finished a practice with Frances and I was driving home, and I just started feeling, like, just so, so sick. I was up all night just, like, coughing, sore throat, all that normal stuff. I woke up yesterday morning just, I felt so bad. It was just like yesterday was kind of like that peak day of the sickness where it’s, like, the worst.”
Immaculate vibes ✨
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 13, 2025
All eyes on Taylor Fritz and Jakub Mensik #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/u66mvBZc1j
While Fritz admitted he is still not back to full strength, he was encouraged by signs of recovery. “I still don’t feel great, but today, where I was at yesterday, like, I’m a lot better today, for sure.”
Despite his health concerns, Fritz’s win proved crucial in keeping Team USA’s hopes alive. With the tie balanced, the doubles clash is set to play a decisive role in determining which nation advances.
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