U.S. dismisses Slovakia to join Germany in qualifying for Davis Cup Finals knockout stage

ZHUHAI, China (AP) — The United States secured its place in the last eight of the

Davis Cup Finals by winning both its singles matches against Slovakia on Friday, a result that also sends unbeaten Germany through from the same group.

Mackenzie McDonald converted four of his six break points in a 6-4, 6-3 win against Lukas Klein and Davis Cup debutant Brandon Nakashima had eight aces in a 6-3, 6-3 win against Jozef Kovalik.

The matches were played on an indoor hard court in Zhuhai, China, and the 2-0 score meant a doubles was not required to decide the Group C meeting.

Later Friday, a win for Spain in Valencia against France in Group B and for Britain in Manchester against Argentina in Group D would put both nations into the quarterfinals. A Spanish victory would also send the Australians through.

Also, Italy faced Belgium in Bologna with the winner moving into a strong position to qualify from Group A.

Four groups are playing in four cities this week to qualify for the eight-team Finals in Malaga, Spain, in November. The top two in each four-team group advance.