Berdych, Stepanek give Czech Republic 2-1 lead in Davis Cup
HANNOVER, Germany (AP) Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber and Philipp Petzschner 7-6 (7), 7-5, 6-4 to give the Czech Republic a 2-1 lead over Germany in their Davis Cup first-round tie Saturday.
Berdych, 7th ranked in the world, had topped Alexander Zverev to draw the Czechs level Friday. The Czech duo converted two of their six break points while the Germans failed on any of their five chances.
Kohlschreiber, Germany's top-ranked player, was to face Berdych in Sunday's opening runner and will need to win for the home team to maintain any hope of facing Canada or France in July's quarterfinals.
Zverev was due to play Lukas Rosol in the final rubber though changes were permitted.
The Czech Republic is bidding to make up for last year's first-round loss.
