Czech gives visitors the lead after epic Davis Cup opener
Radek Stepanek won one of the most remarkable matches in Davis Cup history on Friday night as the Czech Republic built a 2-0 lead over Croatia in their semi-final clash in Porec.
Home favourite Ivo Karlovic slammed a record 78 aces in the five set thriller but Stepanek somehow clinched victory 6-7 7-6 7-6 6-7 16-14 in just a minute under six hours.
Karlovic blew five match points in the final set of the longest match in Davis Cup history despite smashing the previous record of 59 aces which had stood for 54 years.
"I have no words right now, it was like a lottery and I managed to seize my chances," said Stepanek.
"It was a long and exhausting match but when you play for your country it's worth it. It wouldn't matter if it lasted for another few hours."
World number 31 Karlovic took the opening tie-break 7-5 before Stepanek hit back by taking the second set decider by the same margin.
Stepanek won the third set tiebreak 8-6 before his opponent raced through the fourth set decider 7-2.
The world number 17 then achieved the all-important break of serve in the 29th game of an epic fifth set to clinch victory at the end of the fourth longest match in the event's history.
In addition, the number of games (82) equalled the highest number in a Davis Cup rubber since the tie-break was introduced in 1989.
Tomas Berdych later defeated Marin Cilic 6-3 6-3 3-6 4-6 6-3 to put the Czechs firmly in the driving seat.
"It was a very hard match...I played great at the start, but Marin came back," world number 18 Berdych said after winning in three hours and 47 minutes.
"With huge help from our fans, I managed to beat him and I think this was one of the best matches I have ever played.
The Czechs now need just one more point to reach the final, meaning that Croatia must win Saturday's doubles match to keep the tie alive.