Three-time winners Sweden won a place in the final of the World Team Cup on Thursday after forging an unassailable 2-0 lead in their Red Group tie against the United States.
Robin Soderling fought back from a set down to defeat world number eight James Blake 5-7, 6-3, 6-0 and former Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson beat Bobby Reynolds 6-3 2-6 6-3 to dash U.S. hopes of a fifth title.
In the Blue Group, where all four nations still have a chance of making Saturday's final, Igor Andreev beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 6-3 to give Russia a 1-0 advantage ahead of Friday's remaining singles and doubles rubbers.
Spain were also 1-0 ahead against Italy after world number five David Ferrer defeated Potito Starace 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.
The eight nations competing are divided into two groups of four. Each tie consists of two singles matches and a doubles match, which under a new format are played over two days. The winner of each group will meet in Saturday's final.
