The United States made a strong statement in the Davis Cup Finals group stage, taking a commanding 2-0 lead over Chile on Wednesday. Brandon Nakashima and Reilly Opelka secured crucial victories in their singles matches, putting the US on the path to qualification for the Final 8 knockout stage in November.
Nakashima overcame a tough challenge from Alejandro Tabilo, emerging victorious after a grueling three-set match, 7-6 (5), 2-6, 7-6 (3). Earlier, Opelka had given the Americans an early advantage, defeating Cristian Garin in a similarly intense match that stretched over three sets, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (3). The two singles matches combined for over five hours of intense competition. The remaining doubles match was yet to be played.
Four groups are competing in four different cities this week, vying for a spot in the Final 8 in Malaga, Spain. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage. The US, boasting an impressive 32 Davis Cup titles, last won the championship in 2007, defeating Russia. They are aiming to reach the quarterfinals for the second time since the Davis Cup Finals format was introduced in 2019. This year, the US team showcased their dominance in the qualifiers, securing a 4-0 victory over Ukraine on neutral ground in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Meanwhile, in other group stage matches, Italy was scheduled to face Brazil in Group A at Bologna. Spain was set to play the Czech Republic in Group B at Valencia, while England was scheduled to face Finland in Group D at Manchester.
The Davis Cup Finals opened with exciting matches on Tuesday, with Belgium overcoming the Netherlands 2-1, Australia defeating France 2-1, Germany securing a 3-0 victory over Slovakia despite the absence of their No. 2 player Alexander Zverev, and Canada edging out Argentina 2-1. Italy emerged as the 2023 champion, defeating Australia in the final.
