U.S., Czech Republic tied

James Blake lost to Tomas Berdych, 6-1, 2-6, 7-5, 7-5, on Friday, leaving the United States tied, 1-1, with the Czech Republic in the Davis Cup.

Andy Roddick defeated Davis Cup rookie Ivo Minar, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, to give the U.S. the early lead in the first-round World Group series. Doubles in the best-of-five format is today, with reverse singles Sunday.

The U.S.-Czech series was one of eight in World Group play. Taking 2-0 leads were Sweden (at Belarus), France (home against Romania), Argentina (at Austria), Belgium (home against Australia) and Russia (at Chile). Tied, 1-1, were Croatia at Germany and Spain at Switzerland.

Berdych enjoyed a big moment at the 2004 Athens Olympics when he upset Roger Federer. This time, he gave his country a lift in a 2 1/2 -hour match played on slow red clay.

Berdych and Blake attacked as though they were on a hard court, volleying at the net and going for daring winners at moments when others usually play a waiting game.

“It was a good match all the way,” U.S. Captain Patrick McEnroe said.