Czech Republic to play Serbia in Davis Cup on clay

The Czech Republic hopes an indoor clay court and home support will help it overcome a Serbia team missing Novak Djokovic and advance to the semifinals of the Davis Cup.

Djokovic, who won his third Sony Ericsson Open title on Sunday, is opting to rest before he opens his clay court season at the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters from April 14.

The Czechs, who usually play at home on fast indoor hard courts, is counting on the slow clay court to be an advantage.

The No. 7-ranked Tomas Berdych and 24th-ranked Radek Stepanek will lead the Czech team.

Janko Tipsarevic, who this week reached his highest ranking at No. 8, and 27th-ranked Viktor Troicki will play for Serbia.