Barcelona: Rafael Nadal has given defending champion Spain a 1-0 lead over the Czech Republic in the Davis Cup final by beating Tomas Berdych 7-5, 6-0, 6-2.
Nadal converted a decisive break point in the 11th game Friday on his way to taking the tight first set. Berdych was never in the match after that.
Nadal was back on his favorite clay surface after four straight indoor defeats. He improved his Davis Cup clay record to 11-0.
Radek Stepanek will look to even the best-of-five series later Friday when he plays David Ferrer in the second singles.
Spain hasn't lost at home in more than a decade and is trying to become the first team since Sweden in 1998 to retain the trophy.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, December 05, 2009, 00:04