Ben Shelton Loses First Match Post-U.S. Open Appearance
U.S. Open finalist Ben Shelton lost his first match since the tournament's final, falling 6-4, 6-4 to Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic in a Davis Cup qualifying round match.
Wichita Falls & Lawton, TX, September 18, 2026 —
American tennis player Ben Shelton, who reached the final of the U.S. Open, has lost his first competitive match since that significant tournament appearance. Shelton was defeated by Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic with a score of 6-4, 6-4.
The match took place as part of a Davis Cup qualifying round. This marks Shelton’s initial loss in a professional match following his notable run at the U.S. Open, where he advanced to the latter stages of the tournament.
Jiri Lehecka, representing the Czech Republic, secured the victory in straight sets. The specific date and location of this Davis Cup qualifying match were not provided in the available information. No further details regarding specific play, performance analysis, or reactions from either player were available.
Story summarized from the original created by ANDREW DAMPF, Associated Press on www.texomashomepage.com, see more information here.
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