Askume, Sep 14 – Second-seeded United States beat Germany in Zhuhai on Saturday to continue its campaign in Davis Cup Group C. Both teamsThe top men’s team advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition.
The 32-time champions are without big-name players such as US Open runner-up Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe in this week’s final group stage but they still have enough firepower to beat the German team and make it three wins in a row.
Brandon Nakajima gave the United States an undisputed 2-0 lead by beating Maximilian Marteler 6-4, 6-2 in the day’s second singles match before Germany won the doubles match to hand the Americans their first loss of the week.
“This whole week has been incredible. It’s special to be part of this team,” said Nakajima, who won his third match in his debut.
“Representing the national team has been my dream ever since I started playing tennis, so I am happy to have achieved three wins for the team.”
World number 309 Reilly Opelka, returning from hip and wrist surgery, saved three match points and recovered to hold on to his serve in the clutch to beat his debutant Henry Squire 6-7 (4), who eventually lost 7-6.
Tim Poots and Kevin Krawietz then beat Rajiv Rahm and Austin Krajicek 6-1, 7-6 (4), but U.S. captain Bob Bryan said, after a strong week, he was pleased with the team’s improved isolation depth.
“The United States has a lot of great players right now, and you can see that in the rankings. There are a lot of players who could have been selected to play in the final,” Bryan said.
“Hats off to those who came here and took us to Malaga, we have a few months to rest and prepare, but it will be fun.
“We’re looking forward to it.”
The top two countries from the four groups in different cities will advance to the knockout round of eight in Malaga in November.
Apart from the United States and Germany, strong teams like Spain and Australia have also qualified.
Belgium will face Brazil in Bologna, hoping to qualify from Group A, while the Czech Republic will take on France in Group B, with both teams missing out on promotion after losing in Valencia.
Finland, last year’s surprise semi-finalists, take on Argentina in Manchester and need a win to remain in Group D.
