Belgrade : Serbia and the Czech Republic were tied at one-all following the first day of the Davis Cup semi-final in Belgrade on Friday (17th September.)
The Czech Republic won the first singles match in their Davis Cup semi-final on Friday (17th September) in Belgrade. Radek Stepanek beat Victor Troicki 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 in the first singles match to give the Czech visitors the advantage, but Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic levelled the tie in the second singles match, beating Tomas Berdych 7-5 6-2 2-6 7-6.
Novak Djokovic had earlier withdrawn from the Serbia team for the opening singles match, citing a case of gastroenteritis. He was replaced by the 47th ranked Victor Troicki, who with Radek Stepanek, was first on court.
Troicki seemed little troubled by his opponent in the first set and it looked as if the host nation would not miss the absence of their star player.
The doubles match will be played on Saturday with the reverse singles on Sunday. AP
