OSTRAVA, Czech Republic — The Czech Republic reached the Davis Cup quarterfinals after Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek won the doubles for a 3-0 lead over Italy on Saturday.
Berdych and Stepanek defeated Daniele Braccialli and Potito Starace 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the first round of the World Cup.
The Czech pair converted the first match point from Stepanek's forehand volley.
In the first set, the Czechs took a 3-0 lead. Stepanek, who won his maiden Grand Slam title when he teamed with Leander Paes of India in the Australian Open doubles final, served it out.
In the second set, Braccialli dropped serve in the third game and Stepanek converted again with a service winner.
February 11, 2012 11:51 AM EST | Associated Press