Davis Cup Finals group stage: USA, without Fritz, Tiafoe beats Germany to continue winning run

A second-string United States extended its Davis Cup winning run by dismantling Germany to top Group C in Zhuhai on Saturday after both countries secured their spots in the quarterfinals of the premier men’s team competition.

The 32-time winner was without big names like U.S. Open runner-up Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe for their Finals group stage campaign this week but still had plenty of firepower to down Germany and complete a third straight win.

Brandon Nakashima gave the Americans an unassailable 2-0 lead by comfortably beating Maximilian Marterer 6-4, 6-2 in the second singles match of the day before the doubles action.

“It’s been unbelievable this whole week. It’s special to be part of this team,” said Nakashima, who sealed his third victory in his debut campaign to stay perfect.

“To represent the country has always been a dream of mine since I started playing tennis, so I’m super happy that I was able to get three wins on the board for the team.”

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World No. 309 Reilly Opelka, back on the circuit after hip and wrist surgeries, saved three matchpoints and cranked up his serve when it mattered to beat debutant Henri Squire 6-7(4), 7-6(9), 6-3 earlier in the day.

The top two countries from four groups based in different cities will go through to the Final eight knockout stage to be held in Malaga in November.

Heavyweights Spain and Australia have also qualified along with the United States and Germany.

Belgium faces Brazil in Bologna later hoping to go through from Group A while the Czech Republic takes on France in Group B with neither team in the reckoning after losing both their matches in Valencia.

Finland, last year’s surprise semifinalists, meets Argentina in Manchester, needing a win to stay alive in Group D.