Tennis

Australia leads Czech Republic 1-0 in 1st round of Davis Cup

Published Mar. 6, 2015 2:07 p.m. ET

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OSTRAVA, Czech Republic -- Thanasi Kokkinakis came from two sets down to upset Lukas Rosol 4-6, 2-6, 7-5, 7-5, 6-3 Friday and give Australia a 1-0 lead over the Czech Republic in the first round of the Davis Cup.

The 31st-ranked Rosol led 5-3 in third set but failed to serve the match out at 5-4. He then broke Kokkinakis for a 3-2 lead in the fifth set but the 18-year-old Australian won the next four games to prevail in 3 hours, 32 minutes.

Jiri Vesely of the Czech Republic faced Bernard Tomic later Friday on indoor hardcourt in the eastern city of Ostrava.

The 133rd-ranked Kokkinakis was a surprise choice for Australia captain Wally Masur, who also has veteran Lleyton Hewitt and big-serving Samuel Groth available.

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