"On paper this is the toughest tie": Bob Bryan warns USA faces biggest Davis Cup challenge vs Czechia

The Davis Cup match between the United States and Czechia promises to be one of the most competitive this weekend as the team-based nation competition returns. The second round of Qualifiers is being played to determine the seven countries that will join Italy in the Finals.

Two teams that could be considered title contenders will face each other early on: the USA, with three top-15 and six top-35 players, against the Czechs, who boast an incredible current form with three players in the top 25. One of these teams will be left out of the Davis Cup Finals in November.

The USA suffered two significant losses announced at the beginning of the week after injuries to Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton. This means Taylor Fritz (No. 5) and Frances Tiafoe (No. 29) will lead the Americans in their quest for a spot in the finals. Captain Bob Bryan also has Reilly Opelka as a third singles player and doubles specialists Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek.

Normally, a couple of absences would be very concerning for the USA, with two players in the top 30 ready to face the series. However, the Czech team is more than dangerous, with Jakub Mensik (No. 16) and Jiri Lehecka (No. 17) chosen to go for the win, while Tomas Machac (No. 23) will wait for an opportunity if captain Tomas Berdych - a former world No. 4 - decides so.

The series will be played in Delray Beach on hardcourts, with difficult climate conditions that could be a factor this weekend. "The humidity is extremely tough, and it’s obvious that it’s going to make it very difficult. We need to get used to it we need to get prepared and that’s what we’ve been doing this week," commented Czech captain Tomas Berdych. "It’s not easy in these conditions, but it’s the same for both teams."

The Europeans hope to surprise the team with the most titles in Davis Cup history. While the USA would easily be the favorite against almost any other country, the great current form of the Czech players gives them hope of eliminating one of the main contenders. "The guys are a great squad, a great team, they have a good team spirit which is extremely important for the Davis Cup. And that’s what I’m also trying to bring on board. It’s something that I’ve already experienced [as a player], and what brought me success is what I’m trying to pass on to the next generation."

Bob Bryan, a former world No. 1 in doubles, praised his European rivals, highlighting that the current performance of the Czech singles players makes them one of the most difficult teams to face, especially so early in the tournament. "On paper this is probably the toughest of all the ties around the world in this round, and if we don’t beat the Czechs, they could go on and win the whole tournament," he stated. "We know how tough they are, we respect them, we’re ready for them."

The legendary former doubles star emphasized that playing at home could be the key factor in Delray Beach, with all his team members having won the title in the same city. "I think it’s a little bit of an advantage being close to home. Each guy on our team has won this tournament, and they practice here all the time, so the courts, the balls, the conditions are favourable."

• Match 1: Frances Tiafoe (USA) vs. Jiri Lehecka (CZE)

• Match 2: Taylor Fritz (USA) vs. Jakub Mensik (CZE)

• Match 3: Austin Krajicek/Rajeev Ram (USA) vs. Tomas Machac/Adam Pavlasek (CZE)

• Match 4: Taylor Fritz (USA) vs. Jiri Lehecka (CZE)

• Match 5: Frances Tiafoe (USA) vs. Jakub Mensik (CZE)