[EaglesPhan36]

Czech Republic +145 (France)
France comes to the Czech Republic with more talent: Simon & Tsonga in singles, Llodra & Gasquet teaming in doubles. But, they are also short on Davis Cup experience with this crew. Between Simon & Tsonga, they've played just one Davis Cup match. Berdych & Stepanek get the call in singles for the Czechs. Berdych is an experienced winner in Davis Cup play while Stepanek comes into this weekend very much one of the in-form men's tennis players. Berdych gets Simon. Stepanek gets Tsonga and then they reverse it. Berdych does have a good record on carpet (20-11) while Simon is lesser (8-10). Both Stepanek and Tsonga have nice records on the surface, the Czech at 35-25 & Tsonga at 11-6. I think the experience of Berdych or form of Stepanek gets the Czechs a singles split through the first time and will need the same in the reverse. The doubles match likely could be the deciding factor here and it's a 50-50 toss up for me. So I like the plus odds for the Czechs to pull the mild upset.

[EaglesPhan36]

Berdych wins the first tie over Simon in 4 sets. This was a key I thought for the Czechs with Stepanek being in better form than Berdych. Having him come through against Simon puts a lot of pressure on Tsonga to win for the French or to be in a big hole early.

[EaglesPhan36]

Stepanek got bitch slapped by Tsonga in straights. Really thought Stepanek would play better than this. He'll need to regroup for Simon as I think that is the more likely of the two reverse singles ties that the Czechs can win. Still got the split I thought the Czechs would bring today. The double match tomorrow I still think is the key. Winner of that one is pretty likely to finish off the singles ties, only needing one of two.

[EaglesPhan36]

The Czechs pulled a bit of a surprise today by pairing Stepanek & Berdych for the doubles match instead of using Dlouhy, but it worked. Czechs now lead 2-1 with the reverse singles on Sunday. Only need a split to get the win. Stepanek/Simon & Berdych/Tsonga. Hoping Stepanek got a little confidence playing doubles because I think he has the better shot at winning in singles.

[HeeeHAWWWW]

Yeah, I definitely like Stepanek for the singles - imo a better indoors player than Simon recently (who struggles with first serve returns on fast courts, his break % drops way down). Took some 2.15 at pinnies.

Don't like Berdych's chances against Tsonga though.

[EaglesPhan36]

Stepanek had to fight, but got it done against Simon to cash this sucker. So glad that was the deciding match because Tsonga as expected beat Berdych. 3-2 Czechs win!