Davis Cup: Japan fight back to beat Britain in qualifiers, US advance

NEW DELHI: Japan fought back from 2-1 down to beat Britain 3-2 in their Davis Cup qualifier on Saturday to advance to the second round while the United States sealed a 4-0 victory over Taiwan. With the score tied at 1-1 after Friday’s singles rubbers, Britain’s Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski beat Japanese duo Yosuke Watanuki and Takeru Yuzuki 7-6(4) 7-6(3) in the doubles to move within one victory of the next round.

But Yoshihito Nishioka levelled the score with a 6-3 7-6(0) win over Jacob Fearnley before Kei Nishikori, a former world number four, got the better of Billy Harris with a 6-2 6-3 win.

Nishikori had lost to Fearnley in straight sets on Friday but this time the former U.S. Open finalist wrapped up the tie in 73 minutes for the 300th hardcourt win of his career as Japan beat Britain for the first time.

“I had a bad day yesterday. I tried to be more solid and aggressive and stay calm today,” said the 35-year-old Nishikori, who was part of the team that lost to Britain in 2016.

Britain’s Davis Cup captain Leon Smith congratulated Japan and praised their team’s depth.

The U.S. was 2-0 up against Taiwan after Friday’s rubbers in Taipei City and sealed the tie when Olympic silver medallists Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram beat Ray Ho and Wu Tung-Lin 6-4 7-6(4) to set up their first home tie in three years. Mackenzie McDonald then beat Huang Tsung-Hao 6-2 6-3 as the Americans’ experience shone through and they won 4-0 without dropping serve even once in the tie. Agencies

Also Read: ASEBSC Register Comfortable 2-0 Win Over Sonapur Sports Association in Bordoloi Trophy

Also Watch: