Written by
The Sports Network
Ostrava, Czech Republic (Sports Network) - World No. 7 Tomas Berdych and
countryman Radek Stepanek gave the Czech Republic a 2-0 lead in Friday's
opening singles rubbers against visiting Italy.
Bolstered by a 90 percent first-serve percentage (61-of-68), Berdych, 26,
defeated 26-year-old Simone Bolelli 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 on the indoor hardcourt
at CEZ Arena.
Prior to Berdych taking the court, Stepanek faced top Italian Andreas Seppi.
Seppi fought hard but could not outlast Stepanek, a former world No. 8, who
won 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a grueling three hour, 50 minute match.
The best-of-five tie continues Saturday with a doubles match between the Czech
team of Frantisek Cermak and Lukas Rosol against Italians Daniele Bracciali
and Potito Starace. If the Czechs fail to close out the tie on Saturday,
Berdych will face Seppi on Sunday followed by Stepanek versus Bolelli if
necessary.
The Czechs, who are 7-3 all-time against Italy, and the Italians each own one
Davis Cup championship.
The winner in Ostrava will face the Serbia-Sweden victor in the quarterfinals
in April.
The Sports Network