(Zhuhai) The United States finished first in their group and secured a quarter-final seeding on Saturday by defeating Germany 2-1 in the Davis Cup finals.
Both nations were unbeaten so far and already had their tickets to the quarter-finals, but also knew that a victory would allow them to face more favourable opponents in Malaga.
The United States will therefore face one of the countries that finishes second in the three other groups in action in Manchester, Bologna or Valencia.
The Americans quickly secured that advantage by winning both singles matches in Zhuhai, China. Reilly Opelka came from behind to defeat Henri Squire 6-7 (4), 7-6 (9), 6-3, while Brandon Nakashima easily beat Maximilian Marterer 6-4, 6-2.
PHOTO TYRONE SIU, REUTERS
Brandon Nakashima won his duel against Maximilian Marterer.
The United States, however, suffered its first defeat when Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram lost 6-1, 7-6 (4) in doubles to Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz.
Later on Saturday, Finland will try to keep their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals alive when they take on Argentina in Manchester in Group D. The standings in Group A could also change, as Belgium will face Brazil in Bologna.
France and the Czech Republic have a date in Valencia, but both countries are already eliminated.
Four groups of four countries play in four cities to qualify for the quarter-finals in Malaga, Spain, in November. The two highest-ranked countries from each group will advance.