Andy Roddick and James Blake both swept through in straight sets to give the United States a 2-0 lead over Davis Cup World Group quarter-final rivals Spain on Friday.
Blake began with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Tommy Robredo while Roddick recovered from 5-2 down in the first set to defeat Fernando Verdasco 7-6 (7/5), 6-1, 6-4 in the international indoor hardcourt contest.
Roddick played at full strength after quitting a quarter-final last week in Miami with a hamstring problem.
But, like Blake, he found himself in a struggle to close it out as Verdasco saved five match points before finally sending a return out after just over two hours.
"It felt like 12 (hours)," said a relieved Roddick, who won his 23rd Davis Cup singles match. "I wasn't counting, but I really wanted to get off that court a winner.
"I had to swallow my nerves to get it done," said Roddick, who was out-aced 14-12 by Verdasco, ranked 35th.
Coach Patrick McEnroe praised his team, which has taken a a 2-0 lead for the first time in seven ties.
"James got us off to a great start and Andy showed that he's fit after battling his hamstring injury for a week," said the captain. "It's great to be up 2-0 for a change.
"But we still that that one final point."
Blake, ninth in the world, was coming off a desperate run of form last month on home hardcourts, winning only one match at two events at Indian Wells and Miami.
