Sept 15, V7N - The United States secured a spot in the Davis Cup Final 8 after a dominant 3-0 victory over Slovakia in Group C in Zuhai on Friday. Mackenzie McDonald started the day with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Lukas Klein, followed by Brandon Nakashima's straight-sets victory over Jozef Kovalik. In the doubles, Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram fought back to defeat Norbert Gombos and Lukas Klein 6-7(4), 7-6(4), 10-1, completing a clean sweep. The U.S., captained by Bob Bryan, has now won two group-stage matches, having previously beaten Chile 3-0.

Their victory also ensured that Germany, who will face the U.S. next for the top spot in the group, advanced to the Final 8, set to be held in Malaga in November.

In Group B, Spain joined the U.S. in the knockout stage after defeating France in Valencia. Roberto Bautista Agut overcame a set deficit to beat Arthur Fils 2-6, 7-5, 6-3, followed by Carlos Alcaraz's impressive 6-3, 6-3 win over Ugo Humbert.

Defending champions Italy claimed their second Group A win by edging Belgium 2-1 in Bologna. Matteo Berrettini rallied from a set down to defeat 19-year-old Alexander Blockx, while Belgium's Zizou Bergs leveled the tie with a win over Flavio Cobolli. Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori then secured the victory for Italy in doubles. Italy will face the Netherlands, and Belgium will take on Brazil in their final group ties.

In Group D, Argentina continued their winning streak against Britain, with Tomas Etcheverry defeating Daniel Evans and Francisco Cerundolo beating Jack Draper. Although Evans and Neal Skupski won the doubles for Britain, Argentina's 2-1 victory leaves all four teams—Argentina, Britain, Canada, and Finland—still in contention for the Final 8 heading into the weekend.

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