PARIS, Feb 03 (AFP): The Czech Republic kept their Davis Cup three-peat bid on track while Japan reached the World Group quarter-finals for the first time on Sunday as first round ties concluded.
Great Britain notched their first World Group win since 1986 as Andy Murray beat Sam Querrey in San Diego to give the Brits a 3-1 victory over the United States.
Britain next face Italy, who downed Argentina in Mar del Plata thanks to Fabio Fognini's third victory in as many days.
In Ostrava, the Czech Republic held the upper hand 2-1 going into the reverse singles against the Netherlands and Tomas Berdych bagged the all-important third point with a three-set win over lowly-ranked Thiemo de Bakker.
The Dutch claimed the final dead rubber when Igor Sijsling saw off Lukas Rosol giving the Czechs a 3-2 victory and a last eight date with Japan, who beat Canada in Tokyo.
There was an air of anti-climax about Japan's feat after Canada's Frank Dancevic retired injured from his rubber with Kei Nishikori.
Go Soeda thrashed Peter Polansky 6-1, 6-4 in the dead final rubber to complete a 4-1 rout over last year's semi-finalists.
"It's a bit hard being overjoyed to win like that but to make history is unbelievable," Nishikori, the world number 18, reflected.
Czech, Japan, Britain into Davis Cup last eight
FE Team | Published: February 04, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
Share if you like