In-form Czechs ready for Italy in Davis Cup

The Czech Republic is hoping to capitalize on the recent form of its two leading players - Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek - in the first round of the Davis Cup against Italy. No. 7-ranked Berdych, who lost to Rafael Nadal in the quarters of the Australian Open, won his seventh career title Sunday by defeating defending champion Gael Monfils 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in the Open Sud de France final in Montpellier. Stepanek won his maiden Grand Slam title when he teamed with Leander Paes of India to beat Bob and Mike Bryan of the United States in the Australian Open doubles final. Berdych and Stepanek will play the singles and are ready to play the doubles on the indoor hard-court at CEZ Arena. Andreas Seppi and Potito Starace lead the Italian team.