Advertisement

Czechs to miss Tomas Berdych in Davis Cup against Australia

Associated Press
Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic makes a forehand return to United States' Ryan Harrison during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill)

PRAGUE (AP) — Tomas Berdych says he won't return to Melbourne next month to play for the Czech Republic in the first round of Davis Cup against Australia.

Berdych, who helped the country win the 2012-13 Davis Cup titles, announced his decision after beating Ryan Harrison 6-3, 7-6 (6), 6-2 in the second round of Australian Open.

The 10th-ranked Czech says he wants to focus on the ATP tour.

Czech Republic captain Jaroslav Navratil will also miss Lukas Rosol and Adam Pavlasek for the Feb. 3-5 series on an outdoor hard court at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club in Melbourne.

Jiri Vesely and veteran Radek Stepanek remain an option for Navratil to play singles.