• ATP Tour

Berdych & Tipsarevic dominant at World Team Cup

ESPN staff
May 21, 2012
Tomas Berdych has been in fine form on clay of late © PA Photos
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Tomas Berdych levelled the Czech Republic's tie against Japan at the World Team Cup on Monday by beating Go Soeda.

Berdych triumphed 6-1 3-6 6-1 to restore parity, before Frantisek Cermak and Radek Stepanek's doubles success against Tatsuma Ito and Soeda sealed the tie for the Czechs.

"I felt good, it was a good game," Berdych said. "I played the opponent for the first time and I was quite surprised. He played really well, especially in the second set. He made me work hard until the end and I'm happy to get the point for our team."

Berdych has shown a liking for clay ahead of the French Open, losing in the Madrid final to Roger Federer and reaching the Monte Carlo semis.

World No. 8 Janko Tipsarevic showed no mercy as he whitewashed Lovro Zovko, handing Serbia victory in their tie against Croatia.

Host nation Germany laid down a marker by hammering Russia 3-0, with Florian Mayer triumphing in both singles and doubles competition on Monday.

"Of course, it's easier when you're 1-0 up to go onto the court," said Mayer. "But I also knew that I had to win my match, because you never know what happens in the doubles. They also have a good doubles team. It's our goal to make it to the final. It will be difficult, but it's not impossible."

Meanwhile, no play was possible at the Open de Nice on Monday due to rain.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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