US, Germany book Davis Cup Finals places

The US and Germany reached the Davis Cup Finals on Saturday, booking spots in the last eight of the international team competition.

The Americans defeated Germany in a final group tie, earning a 2-1 scoreline with the doubles rubber going to the Europeans.

Injury returnee Reilly Opelka took the first point of the day  with his defeat of debutant Henri Squire 6-7(4) 7-6(9) 6-3 in round-robin play in China.

Squire threw a fright into Opelka, missing out on a pair of match points in the second set tiebreaker.

The US won the group of four with Germany second.

“We knew we were going to the next stage in Malaga, but we used [the chance to achieve] a better seeding as our motivation to try and win today,” Opelka said.

“It was cool to see a bunch of locals come out and support and watch some tennis.”

Nakashima clinched the tie over Max Marterer 6-4, 6-2.

“Each person on this team brings great value,” the winner said. “We all like to bring out the best in each other and to really enjoy every second out there on the court and off the court as well. 

“I think we have a good chance against any team there (in November’s Malaga finals).

“Whoever is going to be on the team will give us a great shot against any other team out there.”

Germany gained some consolation as  Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz beat Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram of the US in straight sets.

Main photo:-McKenzie Macdonald USA