Czech Republic beat Netherlands in Davis Cup to set up away tie against Japan

Defending champions Czech Republic reached the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup on Sunday after Tomas Berdych won the first reverse singles to clinch the first-round tie 3-1.

Berdych, an Australian Open semifinalist, dispatched Thiemo de Bakker 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 on an indoor hard court at CEZ Arena.

Berdych was never threatened and converted his first match point with a forehand winner.

Seeking their third straight Davis Cup title, the Czechs won the 10th consecutive Davis Cup series. They will travel for the April 4-6 quarterfinal to Japan, which beat Canada 4-1 in another first-round tie.

The result of the second reverse singles match cannot change the overall Czech victory in the best-of-five series.