By Richard Pagliaro | Saturday, February 4, 2023
Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek swept doubles clinching the United States' 4-0 win over Uzbekistan in the Davis Cup Qualifier in Tashkent.
Photo credit: USTA
American standouts secured a return trip to the Davis Cup Finals group stage.
US Open doubles champion Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek defeated Sanjar Fayziev and Sergey Fomin 6-2, 6-4 giving the United States an insurmountable 3-0 lead over host Uzbekistan in the best-of-five match qualifier at Tashkent's Olympic Tennis School.
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Denis Kudla topped Amir Milushev 6-4, 6-4 to complete the United States' 4-0 victory over Uzbekistan.
The USA did not drop a set in four matches in Uzbekistan.
"I was excited to see Raj and Austin play today," said interim Team USA captain David Nainkin. "They’ve practiced well all week.
"They had five great days of preparation, and as anticipated they came out really sharp and got the early break in the first set. And after that it was like two freight trains, there was no stopping them. Austin served great. Eventually he had to serve for the match, and they got the job done."
Yesterday, American Tommy Paul conquered Khumoyun Sultanov, 6-1, 7-6(6) to stake the Americans to a 2-0 lead after Mackenzie McDonald opened the tie with a 6-4, 6-1 sweep of Fomin.
The United States advances to the Group Stage of the Finals at a site to be announced.
The Davis Cup semifinal and final will be played November 21-26 in Malaga, Spain, to crown the 2023 champion.
2023 Davis Cup by Rakuten Qualifying
United States 4, Uzbekistan 0
Olympic Tennis School—Tashkent, Uzbekistan
FRIDAY
Singles: Mackenzie McDonald d. Sergey Fomin, 6-4, 6-1
Singles: Tommy Paul d. Khumoyun Sultanov, 6-1, 7-6(6)
SATURDAY
Doubles: Rajeev Ram / Austin Krajicek d. Fomin / Sanjar Fayziev, 6-2, 6-4
Singles: Denis Kudla d. Amir Milushev, 6-4, 6-4