With their second victories in two matches, Australia and the United States took an option to qualify for the Davis Cup finals on Thursday, as Croatia responded with a hard-fought beating of Sweden.
Finalists in the 2021 edition against Russia, the Croatian team, beaten at the start of the competition by Italy, gave themselves a little breather by winning their match against Sweden (2-1 ), represented by brothers Elias and Mykael Ymer (119th and 98th in the world).
The Swedes won the first point, Elias winning in two sets against Borna Gojo (164th). His brother Mykael had less success in the next match against Borna Coric (26th), and the two brothers together could not do anything in doubles against the Croatian pair.
In Pool C, the Australians, who largely won against the Belgians on Tuesday (3-0), took off at the top of the group with their victory against France (2-1).
This one had however started the meeting perfectly, the veteran Richard Gasquet (79th) beating Jason Kubler (97th) in two sets. But Alex de Minaur (22nd) managed to overthrow Benjamin Bonzi (53rd) in a match that was badly started, leaving the Australian double to conclude the match in favor of Lleyton Hewitt’s team.
Winners of Great Britain in a marathon meeting on Wednesday, the United States had the easier task against Kazakhstan, winning in the singles with the victories of Tommy Paul (29th) and Taylor Fritz (12th).
They take the lead in Pool D ahead of the Netherlands, who will face Great Britain on Friday in Glasgow.
Deprived of Novak Djokovic (7th), and beaten by Spain 2-1 on Wednesday, Serbia were under pressure against South Korea, who had impressed on Tuesday despite their defeat against Canada in Pool B.
The easy victory (6-4, 6-0) of Dusan Lajovic (92nd) against Hong Seong-Chan (384th) in the first game launched the Serbs well, Miormir Kecmanovic (33rd) doubling the lead against Kwon Soonwoo (74th) .