Czechs reach Davis Cup final

Tomas Berdych defeated Carlos Berlocq in three sets yesterday to put the Czech Republic into the Davis Cup final against Spain.

Berdych had few problems with Berlocq, winning 6-3, 6-3, 6-4, to give the Czechs an insurmountable 3-1 lead over Argentina in the semi-final.

Berlocq filled in for Juan Martin del Potro, who missed the reverse singles with a left-wrist injury.

The Czechs return to the final for the second time in four seasons and will host it in November. They will have a chance to avenge the 2009 final loss to the Spanish.

Del Potro beat Radek Stepanek on Friday but was ruled out for yesterday by the team doctor, who said the match had made his injury worse.

Argentina were hoping to reach their fifth Davis Cup final. They have lost all four, including last year's match against Spain. David Ferrer had earlier ensured that Spain advanced, with a decisive four-set victory over John Isner of the United States.