USA defeats Chile in thrilling Davis Cup showdown

The United States began their hunt for a record-extending 33rd Davis Cup title by sweeping aside Chile on Wednesday.

Bob Bryan's side belied their underdog status in terms of rankings to down the more fancied South Americans 3-0 in their group stage opener in Zhuhai.

They may have won the first of their record haul in the inaugural edition of the annual men's team competition in 1900.

But the last time they picked up the famous 'salad bowl' trophy was back in 2007.

At the Hengqin International Tennis Centre, world number 309 Reilly Opelka, no. 40 Brandon Nakashima and doubles duo Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram proved too strong for Nicolas Massu's men.

Opelka got the first point on the board for the Americans, beating Cristian Garin 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3).

Next up was Nakashima, who enjoyed a dream Davis Cup debut, downing world number 22 Alejandro Tabilo 7-6 (7/5), 2-6, 7-6 (7/3).

Then it was the turn of Paris Olympic silver medallists Krajicek and Ram to carry on the good work, despatching Tomas Barrios Vera and Matias Soto 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3).

Given the closeness of the three matches which all went down to deciding set tie-breaks it was little wonder Bryan described it as "an epic day of tennis".

Bryan, who with his twin brother Mike won 16 Grand Slam doubles titles and was part of the 2007 Davis Cup title-winning team, added: "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.

"I don't think it's ever happened in Davis Cup that all matches went to the third set breaker -- historic day. Just feeling very, very proud of the players."

Opelka, who underwent wrist surgery in July, reflected: "Being the underdog in the tie, it's great to start with a win."

Despite his recent operation he fired 27 aces en route to victory, saying: "My serve's the shot that had been taking me the longest to get back since my injury.

"I didn't serve well at the US Open, but every week it's been getting better and better."

Nakashima meanwhile was basking in banking his first Davis Cup point at the first attempt.

"It feels amazing. It was my first Davis Cup win and to do it like that was super special."

The Americans have a day off now before Friday's next Group C clash with Slovakia, hurting after Tuesday's 3-0 loss to Germany, who take on Chile on Thursday.

The USA are aiming to make it out of the group stage to progress to the finals for the first time since 2022.

Also on Wednesday, defending champions Italy take on Brazil in Bologna, Carlos Alcaraz's Spain face the Czech Republic in Valencia, and Finland play Britain in Manchester.

The top two nations in each of the four groups in the round robin phase will qualify for the eight-team final in Malaga, Spain from November 19-24.

nr/jc