Czech Republic and Serbia are level at 1-1 going into day two of their Davis Cup final after Tomas Berdych’s win against Dusan Lajovic cancelled out Novak Djokovic’s earlier victory against Radek Stepanek.
Friday’s singles were going the way of hosts Serbia in Belgrade when Djokovic, fresh from his ATP World Tour Finals win at London’s O2 Arena last weekend, comfortably defeated Stepanek 7-5 6-1 6-4.
But world number 117 Lajovic, a replacement for the injured Janko Tipsarevic, was no match for Czech world number seven Berdych in the second game which ended in a 6-3 6-4 6-3 defeat for the Serb in front of his home fans at the Kombank Arena.
The doubles takes place on Saturday before Sunday’s action returns to the singles and Djokovic, who could be involved on both days, was pleased with his start as he looks to help guide Serbia to David Cup success.
“I am happy with the way I played,” said Djokovic. “Of course I was nervous at the beginning but it was very important for us to win the first set and then I relaxed.
“I served well in the important moments.”
Link Dafabet