(Zhuhai) The United States opened its Davis Cup finals group stage by blanking Chile 3-0 in Zhuhai, China, on Wednesday.
Brandon Nakashima defeated Alejandro Tabilo 7-6 (5), 2-6, 7-6 (3) after Reilly Opelka defeated Cristian Garin 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (3) to give the Americans an insurmountable 2-0 lead.
These two matches lasted more than five hours in total; in doubles, the United States used Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram, who defeated Tomas Barrios Vera and Matias Soto 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (3).
Four groups play in four countries this week to qualify for the quarter-finals, which will be held in Malaga, Spain, in November. The top two countries in each group advance to the next round.
The United States, who lead with 32 Davis Cup titles but most recently in 2007, are trying to reach the quarter-finals for a second time since 2019, when the tournament format was changed.
Less than two weeks after his second-round elimination in New York, Carlos Alcaraz avoided a possible surprise again.
Alcaraz, ranked third in the world, secured Spain’s victory against the Czechs in Group B when Tomas Machac retired due to injury with the score at 7-6 (3), 1-6 in Valencia.
PHOTO EVA MANEZ, REUTERS
Less than two weeks after his second-round elimination in New York, Carlos Alcaraz avoided a possible surprise again.
It was Alcaraz’s first match since his three-set defeat at Flushing Meadows to Botic van de Zandschulp, then 74.e to the ATP.
The reigning champions Italy did not need world number one Jannik Sinner, crowned at the US Open, to beat Brazil in Group A in Bologna.
Matteo Berrettini defeated Joao Fonseca 6-1, 7-6 (5), then Matteo Arnaldi defeated Thiago Monteiro 7-5, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5).
Great Britain took a 2-0 lead over Finland in Manchester in Group D thanks to goals from Dan Evans and Billy Harris.
Evans beat Eero Vasa 7-6 (3), 6-2. Harris defeated Otto Virtanen 6-4, 7-6 (4).
Great Britain won 2-1, Virtanen teaming up with Harri Heliovaara to beat Evans and Neal Skupski 7-6 (4), 7-5 in doubles.
On the first day of competition on Tuesday, Canada won 2-1 against Argentina.
Belgium beat the Netherlands 2-1, Australia beat France 2-1, and Germany shut out Slovakia 3-0.