Kohlschreiber gives Germany 1-0 Davis Cup lead over Czechs

HANNOVER, Germany (AP) Tomas Berdych defeated Alexander Zverev in a five-set encounter to draw the Czech Republic level with Germany at 1-1 in their Davis Cup first-round tie on Friday.

Seventh-ranked Berdych needed 4 hours, 20 minutes to prevail 7-6 (6), 1-6, 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 over the 18-year-old Zverev, who was making his Davis Cup debut.

Earlier, Philipp Kohlschreiber defeated Lukas Rosol 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 to give the home team the lead. Kohlschreiber, ranked 30th, converted his first match point to beat the 50th-ranked Czech.

Dustin Brown, set to play his second tie for Germany, was due to team up with Philipp Petzschner against Radek Stepanek and Jiri Vesely in Saturday's doubles, though changes are permitted and even expected. Kohlschreiber and Berdych could feature again.

The Czech Republic is bidding to make up for its first-round loss last year - its first since 2011 - while Germany aims to improve on its 10-4 record against the visitors.

The winner faces Canada or France in July's quarterfinals.