Germany vs Croatia, Czechia vs USA: 2026 Davis Cup qualifiers preview
On September 18 and 19, Round 2 of qualifying for the most prestigious men’s team tennis tournament begins. In this 1xBet review, we look at the most exciting upcoming matchups.
Czechia vs USA
When: September 18-19;
Where: O2 Arena (Prague);
Surface: hard.
Czechia
Czechia has won the Davis Cup twice as an independent country, in 2012 and 2013, while Czechoslovakia claimed the trophy in 1980. The team captain is Tomáš Berdych, a former world No.4, 2010 Wimbledon finalist, and two-time Davis Cup champion. The lineup against the USA includes:
Jiří Lehečka – ATP No.23, two-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist.
Tomáš Macháč – ATP No.74, 2024 Olympic mixed doubles champion.
Vít Kopřiva – ATP No.71.
Patrik Rikl – current Australian Open doubles quarterfinalist.
Adam Pavlásek – two-time Grand Slam doubles quarterfinalist.
Czechia beat Sweden 3-1 in the qualification Round 1 and currently sits 7th in the Davis Cup rankings.
USA
The USA holds the record for the most Davis Cup titles with 32, although its last triumph came in 2007. Team captain Bob Bryan is one of the greatest doubles players in history, a 2012 Olympic champion and multiple Grand Slam winner. The lineup against Checia includes:
Taylor Fritz – ATP No.10, 2024 US Open finalist.
Ben Shelton – ATP No.4, 2026 US Open finalist.
Tommy Paul – ATP No.18, 2023 Australian Open semifinalist.
Christian Harrison – Australian Open doubles champion alongside Britain’s Neal Skupski.
Ethan Quinn – ATP No.57.
The USA beat Hungary 4-0 in the qualification Round 1 and currently sits 5th in the Davis Cup rankings.
Head-to-head
A year ago, Czechia and the USA met at the same stage of the competition, with the European team winning a close contest 3-2.
Germany vs Croatia
When: September 19-21
Where: Heristo Arena (Halle)
Surface: hard.
Germany
Germany is a three-time Davis Cup champion (1988, 1989, 1993). Team captain Michael Kohlmann has called up world No.2 and reigning Roland Garros champion Alexander Zverev for the tie against Croatia. The lineup also includes Yannick Hanfmann (ATP No. 53), as well as doubles players Tim Pütz and Kevin Krawietz.
Germany swept Peru 4-0 in the qualification Round 1 and currently sits 3rd in the Davis Cup rankings.
Croatia
Croatia has won the Davis Cup twice (2005, 2018). Team captain Ivan Dodig is a former top player, three-time Grand Slam champion, and 2020 Olympic silver medalist in doubles. The Croatian lineup features veteran Marin Čilić, the 2014 US Open champion, and young Dino Prižmić in singles, while Mate Pavić and Nikola Mektić will play doubles. Borna Ćorić may also join the team as he gradually returns to form after a serious injury.
Croatia beat Denmark 3-1 in the qualification Round 1 and currently sits 13th in the Davis Cup rankings.
Head-to-head
Germany and Croatia will meet in the Davis Cup for the first time since 2011. They have faced each other three times in the competition, with Germany leading the head-to-head 2-1.
What to expect
Czechia will look to prove its superiority over the USA for the second consecutive year. The Americans are eager for revenge and hope to claim the title. Germany’s ambitions are clear after the decision to call up Alexander Zverev, one of today’s top players, who is determined to reach Bologna and fight for the trophy. Meanwhile, Croatia has brought its strongest lineup and is sure to give Germany a tough fight.
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