The United States secured their place in the Davis Cup final eight knockout stage with a 2-0 win over Slovakia in Group C. Mackenzie McDonald kicked things off with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Lukas Klein, followed by Brandon Nakashima’s straight-sets win over Jozef Kovalik. This marks the second group win for the US, having previously swept Chile 3-0. With this victory, Germany also qualified for the knockout rounds in Malaga, where they will face the US for the top spot in the group.
Spain also punched their ticket to the final eight with a 2-0 victory over France in Group B. Roberto Bautista Agut came back from a set down to defeat Arthur Fils 2-6, 7-5, 6-3, and world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz cruised past Ugo Humbert 6-3, 6-3. Alcaraz, pleased with his performance, described the match as one of his best of the year.
In Group A, reigning champions Italy narrowly edged Belgium 2-1 after a decisive doubles win. Matteo Berrettini bounced back to defeat Alexander Blockx 3-6, 6-2, 7-5, while Zizou Bergs leveled the tie by defeating Flavio Cobolli. Italy’s Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori clinched the win in straight sets in the doubles.
Meanwhile, Argentina kept their hopes alive in Group D with a 2-1 victory over Great Britain. Tomas Etcheverry and Francisco Cerundolo won their singles matches, with the latter defeating US Open semi-finalist Jack Draper. Despite a doubles loss, Argentina remains in contention, with all four teams in the group still fighting for a final eight spot over the weekend.
