Record-setter Nadal roars back, Italy hold France

The highlight of a stacked set of Davis Cup last eight ties was Germany's visit to Spain and the two evenly matches squads, led by Alexander Zverev and Rafael Nadal respectively, closed action Friday at one-all.

World number one Nadal had not played since he retired from his Australian Open quarter-final against Marin Cilic in January with a leg injury, but made light work of Kohlschreiber.

It was the 23rd straight win for Nadal since 2005, setting the Davis Cup record combining singles and doubles.

"I played more aggressively as the match went on".

Rafael Nadal will return to action in the Davis Cup.

"It's a great feeling to be back", the 31-year-old said.

Holders France took a 2-1 lead in their tie with Italy as Pierre-Hugues Herbert Nicolas Mahut comfortably beat Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini 6-4 6-3 6-1.

The victor of the tie will face either Spain or Germany for a place in the final.

Lucas Pouille, the world number 11, gave France the first point in Genoa with a 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1 win over 62nd-ranked Andreas Seppi.

"It's still a remarkable experience to return, coming back out of injuries isn't obviously hard, however it'so great to be in the front of my audience on a exact memorable moment".

Croatia's Ivan Dodig and Nikola Mektic came from behind to beat Timur Khabibulin and Aleksandr Nedovyesov of Kazakhstan 6-7 (2-7) 6-4 6-4 6-2.

The United States are at home to Belgium in Nashville in the other quarterfinal, with John Isner due to take on Joris de Loore in the opening singles rubber at 21.00 GMT.

The USA went 2-0 up against Belgium after Miami Open victor John Isner beat Joris De Loore 6-3, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4, before Sam Querrey triumphed against Ruben Bemelmans 6-1, 7-6, 7-5.

On Saturday, Ryan Harrison and Jack Sock, both with top-30 doubles rankings, can wrap up the tie when they face Sander Gille, ranked 84, and number 98 Joran Vliegen.