Tennis - Davis Cup - Group C - Germany v United States - Hengqin International Tennis Center, Zhuhai, China - September 14, 2024 Brandon Nakashima of the U.S. in action during his singles match against Germany's Maximilian Marterer REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
(Reuters) -A second-string United States extended their Davis Cup winning run by dismantling Germany to top Group C in Zhuhai on Saturday after both countries secured their spots in the quarter-finals of the premier men's team competition.
The 32-times winners were 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 Germany won the doubles clash to hand the Americans their first loss this week.
"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."
World number 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.
Tim Puetz and Kevin Krawietz later beat Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek 6-1 7-6(4) but U.S. captain Bob Bryan said he was satisfied after a good week that highlighted the team's singles depth.
"We've got a lot of great players in the U.S. right now, you can see it in the rankings. A lot of guys to choose from for the Finals," Bryan said.
"Hats off to these guys for coming here and carrying us to Malaga. We've got a couple of months to relax and get ready but it's going to be fun over there.
"We're looking forward to it."
The top two countries from four groups based in different cities will go through to the Final 8 knockout stage to be held in Malaga in November.
Heavyweights Spain and Australia have also qualified along with the United States and Germany.
Belgium face Brazil in Bologna later hoping to go through from Group A while the Czech Republic take on France in Group B with neither team in the reckoning after losing both their matches in Valencia.
Finland, last year's surprise semi-finalists, meet Argentina in Manchester needing a win to stay alive in Group D.
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru;Editing by Christian Radnedge)
