Rafael Nadal sets record for Davis Cup winning streak

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 to draw five-times winners Spain level at 1-1 in the tie. "I feel good when I return to the clay courts".

"'It was an important match for us", Nadal said afterwards.

Nadal had not played for Spain since the tie against India two years ago, but was back to his vintage best as he claimed his 23rd singles victory in the competition with a 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 win over Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany, Xinhua news agency reported.

Nadal was swiftly back in the swing of things in Valencia, dismantling Kohlschreiber after Alexander Zverev blew away David Ferrer 6-4 6-2 6-2 to put Germany in front.

"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".

"I have not felt anything at all of the injury", Nadal told reporters after the match. It's always special to play at home in these arenas."It's great to be back even if after an injury it's always hard".

The heavily-favored USA team took a 2-0 lead against a depleted Belgium side on the indoor hard courts in Nashville, Tenn., to come within a point of its first Davis Cup semifinals in six years.

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 clash between France and Italy also lies at 1-1 after Lucas Pouille beat Andreas Seppi 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, before Fabio Fognini triumphed 6-7, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 against Jeremy Chardy. Fedex, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, fell to World No. 2 after he lost to Australia's Thanasi Kokkinakis 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4) at Miami Open's round of 64 last month.