STARNBERG/ZHUHAI, September 11, 2024
Three third-set tiebreaks turned into an historic 3-0 victory for the U.S. Davis Cup team overnight in Zhuhai, China, as the US-Americans fought every step of the way for an important opening Davis Cup Finals Group Stage sweep of Chile.
Since this best-of-three format for the Finals was introduced in 2019, with best-of-three-set matches, never before had a Finals tie featured third-set tiebreaks in all three individual matches.
“We’re obviously feeling great. It was truly an epic day of tennis for both teams,” said captain Bob Bryan. “Everyone showed a lot of heart, a lot of guts. Hats off to the Chileans. Hats off to our guys who were really digging deep, especially in the big moments. Those third-set tiebreakers, I don’t think it’s ever happened in Davis Cup that all matches went to the third-set breaker, so historic day. But just feeling very proud of the players.”
The victory puts the U.S. in advantageous position in the Group C standings, with Germany still in first place because of its sets- and games-won percentages. The top two finishers in Group C will advance to the Final 8 November 19-24 in Malaga, Spain.
USA Vs Chile 3-0
Reilly Opelka (USA) d. Cristian Garin (CHI), 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(3)
Brandon Nakashima (USA) d. Alejandro Tabilo, 7-6(5), 2-6, 7-6(3)
Austin Krajicek/Rajeev Ram (USA) d. Tomas Barrios Vera/Matias Soto (CHI), 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(3)
Team USA come through third set tiebreaks in all their matches against Chile to win the tie 3-0 🇺🇸#DavisCup | @usta pic.twitter.com/fcfOvql0Il
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 11, 2024
