"That week could be used more effectively" - Davis Cup captain Tomas Berdych unhappy with Czech players' rapid transition to Laver Cup

Thursday, 18 September 2025 at 03:30

The Czech republic faced the United States in a thrilling Davis Cup tie last weekend, prevailing with a 3-2 victory. However, Czech Team captain Tomas Berdych expressed his disapproval of Czech stars Jakub Mensik and Tomas Machac competing at this weekend's Laver Cup.

Both Mensik and Machac were instrumental in Team Czechia's historic victory over the Americans. World No.17 Mensik competed in three matches in two days during the Davis Cup tie, whereas Machac played in the doubles event to ensure their nation's advancement to the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna from November 18-23, 2025.

The two Czech stars were unable to truly appreciate their victory, as both left for San Francisco to prepare for the upcoming Laver Cup. Mensik and Machac will represent Team Europe at the multinational event, with the Europeans hoping to successfully defend the title they won at last year's edition of the event.

Berdych competed at the inaugural edition of the Laver Cup in Prague in 2017. The former World No.4 played in two doubles matches and one singles bout, but suffered close defeats in all of his matches.

Players still have a lot of season left, argues Berdych

"It's my personal opinion, but if I were asked this question by the guys, I would answer the same," said the retired Czech star after leading his team to Davis Cup victory in Florida. "For me, this option would not be an option right now. They have a lot behind them, and they still have a lot to do in the season.
"The Laver Cup is more for players who are settled in those positions. I understand why they want to play it, but that week could be used more effectively. That's how I see it. Not that I don't mind it at all, that's how I look at it."

No Czech player has competed at the Laver Cup since Berdych in 2017. Mensik and Machac will join a star-studded Team Europe, led by Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz to take on a talented Team World, which features American Taylor Fritz and Australian Alex De Minaur.

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Sealing the set in style 😎

Jakub Mensik takes the opener 6-1 over Tiafoe to put Czechia on the brink of a place in the Final 8! 🇨🇿#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/jgbRLNLxAH
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 14, 2025

Arthur Ajayi

Growing up in a household where soccer was king, my earliest memories are filled with chants from packed stadiums and the rhythm of a ball being passed across neighborhood streets. But somewhere along the way, the quiet elegance and raw emotion of tennis pulled me in. What began as a curiosity became a lifelong passion; not just for the sport itself, but for the stories it tells: of grit, of heartbreak, of improbable comebacks and human resilience.

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