OSTRAVA, Czech Republic(AP) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated Radek Stepanek 7-5, 6-2, 7-6 (1) Friday, allowing France to tie the Czech Republic 1-1 after the opening singles of Davis Cup competition.
Tomas Berdych upset Gilles Simon 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-3 in the opener on indoor carpet at CEZ Arena.
In Saturday's doubles, Jan Hernych and Lukas Dlouhy of the Czech Republic will take on Richard Gasquet and Michael Llodra.
Tsonga and Stepanek have each won two ATP Tour titles this year.
It's great we have a point,'' Stepanek said.The tie is still open.''
The winner of the best-of-five series will advance to the quarterfinals July 10-12 against Argentina or the Netherlands. The losing team will be relegated to the playoffs.