ZHUHAI, China – The United States opened its Davis Cup group stage with a 3-0 win over Chile in Zhuhai, China, on Wednesday.
Brandon Nakashima laid the foundation for the United States to go 2-0 up as he defeated Alejandro Tabilo 7-6 (5), 2-6, 7-6 (3) after Reilly Opelka defeated Cristian Garin 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (3).
These two singles matches lasted over five hours and the Americans fielded Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram for the doubles to win 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (3) against Tomas Barrios Vera and Matias Soto.
Four groups will play each other across four cities this week to qualify for the Final Eight knockout stage in Malaga, Spain in November. The top two teams from each group of four will advance.
The United States, a 32-time Davis Cup champion, is looking to reach the quarterfinals for the second time since the Davis Cup finals were introduced in 2019, the most recent being in 2007. In this year’s qualifying round, the U.S. beat Ukraine 4-0 on neutral ground in Vilnius, Lithuania.
On Wednesday afternoon in Bologna, hosts Italy (the defending champions) were due to play Brazil in Group A. In Valencia, Spain were due to play the Czech Republic in Group B, while England were due to play Finland in Group D in Manchester, England.
In the opening play tuesday, Belgium beat the Netherlands 2-1, Australia beat France 2-1, Germany, without second-ranked Alexander Zverev, beat Slovakia 3-0 and Canada beat Argentina 2-1.
