Chile moved one step closer to a place in Saturday’s final at the ARAG ATP World Team Championship, earning sweet revenge Wednesday at the Rochusclub by dashing the hopes of a strong United States squad.

In a rematch of April’s Davis Cup quarterfinal, the Chileans came into the match with a distinct advantage, playing on their best surface in a neutral setting, as opposed to on grass in the Californian desert. And, despite missing the services of World No. 9 Fernando Gonzalez in the singles rubbers, the contingent pulled together to move into sole position atop the Red Group standings.

Robby Ginepri entered a must-win match against Paul Capdeville, ranked 107 places behind him at No. 124 in the INDESIT ATP Rankings, but failed to dismiss his less-experienced counterpart.

Capdeville, with only 17 career ATP-level matches under his belt, let his performance belie his ranking, and outshone Ginepri, 6-4, 6-4, simultaneously picking up his first won on clay this season and clinching the winning point for the two-time Duesseldorf titlists.

“I am proud to have gained the second point for Chile," said Capdeville. "If the doubles is the decisive match, it can easily be lost. Robby Ginepri and I both are no clay specialists, but I think I did a little bit better on this surface. I am still lacking the necessary consistency to improve in the rankings. That’s something I still have to work at.”

Andy Roddick became the first U.S. casualty, turning in a short-lived return at the Rochusclub earlier in the day. The World No. 5 lasted six games against Chile’s Nicolas Massu before a sprained ankle forced him to retire.

The top American suffered the injury on the baseline after Massu went up an early break. Roddick received treatment on the bench and attempted to play with a bandaged ankle, but ultimately conceded the first match of the USA-Chile tie.

“I slipped and then went on running, and then I felt something kind of click apart. I wasn’t really able to step on it anymore. It was pointless,” said Roddick.

“Now it will be a lot of ice for the coming days. It’s disappointing; I feel like every time some progress is being made on clay something happens. In Rome, I pinched a nerve, and now this.”

Roddick was making his first appearance at the Rochusclub in four years, missing the opening tie against Croatia on Monday due to tensed neck muscles. His last appearance resulted in a victorious effort against Argentina’s Jose Acasuso in the second round robin tie in 2002.

In the doubles rubber, the Bryan brothers salvaged a shutout by Chile as they defeated reigning gold medalists Massu and Gonzalez 7-5, 6-4.