ZHUHAI: The United States secured its place in the last eight of the Davis Cup Finals by winning both its singles matches against Slovakia on Friday, a result that also sees unbeaten Germany advance from the same group.
Mackenzie McDonald converted four of his six break points in a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Lukas Klein, and Davis Cup debutant Brandon Nakashima delivered eight aces in a 6-3, 6-3 win against Jozef Kovalik.
The matches were played on an indoor hard court in Zhuhai, China, and the 2-0 score meant that a doubles match was not required to decide the Group C meeting.
Later on Friday, a win for Spain in Valencia against France in Group B and for Britain in Manchester against Argentina in Group D would see both nations qualify for the quarter-finals. A Spanish victory would also send the Australians through.
Additionally, Italy faced Belgium in Bologna, with the winner moving into a strong position to qualify from Group A.
Four groups are competing in four cities this week to qualify for the eight-team Finals in Malaga, Spain, in November. The top two teams in each four-team group will advance.