Slovaks lead Dutch 2-1

The Slovak Republic took back homecourt control of their quarterfinal tie versus the Netherlands Saturday, with the tandem of Karol Beck and Michal Mertinak defeating Dutchmen Paul Haarhuis and Melle van Gemerden 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5.

The doubles win puts the Slovaks one win from their first Davis Cup semifinal.

"I played five sets yesterday and I was physically and mentally tired, but with the help of the doctor and masseur I felt fine this morning and believed that I would play well," Beck said. "Dominik Hrbaty said before the match that if we won the doubles he would win the singles tomorrow so I don't have to play again."

Hrbaty will play Wessels in the opening Sunday singles, with Beck possibly facing Raemon Sluiter if a fifth rubber is necessary.