France start well in Davis Cup semi

The Czech Republic and France took early leads in the Davis Cup semi-finals yesterday after winning the opening singles matches.

Novak Djokovic was a late withdrawal from Serbia's team to face the Czechs, saying he was still tired after his run to the US Open final, and his replacement, Viktor Troicki, lost 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 to Radek Stepanek in Belgrade. Janko Tipsarevic was looking to level it up for Serbia late last night when he took on Tomas Berdych.

Michael Llodra put the French ahead against Argentina in Lyons with a 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 win over Juan Monaco. France's Gaël Monfils was due to play David Nalbandian in the second singles match.

Miles Maclagan, Andy Murray's former coach, is to work with Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber, the world No 31. They are expected to start working together next month. Maclagan joined forces with Murray at the end of 2007 and coached him until their split two months ago.