Czech Republic deny Japan in Davis Cup
Czechs Radek Stepanek and Lukas Rosol defeat Japan in straight sets to advance to the Davis Cup semi-finals.
The Czech Republic advanced to the semi-finals of the Davis Cup, beating Japan in the doubles match to give the defending champions an insurmountable 3-0 lead.
This was our first Davis Cup doubles together. We did well and found our range together and had it under control from the first set.
The meeting between Japan and the Czech Republic is the first since 1935 and third in total.
The nations split their two previous matches that were both played in Prague, with Japan winning the first in 1930.
Radek Stepanek and Lukas Rosol bowed politely from the baseline after Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko took their seats behind them.
The Czech pair backed up their wins in Friday’s singles by combining to beat Tatsuma Ito and Yasutaka Uchiyama 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 at Ariake Colisseum.
“This was our first Davis Cup doubles together. We did well and found our range together and had it under control from the first set,” Stepanek said.
The reverse singles, which are effectively dead rubbers, are played on Sunday.
Both teams were without their top players as Tomas Berdych was resting following two tough tournaments in the United States, while Kei Nishikori was sidelined after hurting his groin in a quarterfinal victory over Roger Federer in the Miami Open last week.
The Czech Republic will play the winner of the quarterfinal match between France and Germany in the last four in September.