Saturday, 12 April, 2008

Radek Stepanek brushed aside Igor Andreev as the Czech Republic levelled their Davis Cup quarter-final against 2006 champions Russia in Moscow.

After Tomas Berdych had been edged out by Marat Safin in the opening rubber, Stepanek produced a masterful display to see off Andreev 6-3 6-2 6-4 and leave the contest tied at 1-1.

Stepanek smashed 12 aces and converted four of his five break points to wrap up the win in just under two hours.

Earlier on Friday, Safin had hit back from two sets down to beat Berdych and give Russia an early advantage.

World number nine Berdych started well and appeared in complete control before Safin stormed back to register a 6-7 (5/7) 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 triumph.

The first set went with serve with Berdych clinching it on the tie-break and a solitary break in the second saw the Czech establish a commanding advantage.

But Safin, who has won just one match on the ATP Tour in 2008, belied his woeful recent form with a stirring comeback.

An early break was enough for him to clinch the third and, with Berdych looking nervous, he claimed two more of Berdych's service games in the fourth to set up a nail-biting decider.

He gained an early advantage and held on, despite Berdych having a break point as Safin attempted to serve it out.

Russian pair Nikolay Davydenko and Mikhail Youzhny will face Lukas Dlouhy and Pavel Visner in Saturday's doubles.

Sharapova reaches final
Bryans upset in Davis Cup quarters
Argentina on top at home
Spain secure semi place
Stepanek cruises past Andreev
Murray out of Valencia with virus
Change to Wimbledon warm-up events
Murray confirms Beijing presence
Nadal hails 'unbelievable' Davydenko