Ostrava, Czech Republic, Feb 13: Simone Bolelli defeated substitute Frantisek Cermak 6-4, 6-4 for Italy's lone consolation win against the Czech Republic in the first round of the Davis Cup on Sunday.
The Czechs won the best-of-five series 4-1 and will host Serbia in the quarterfinals in April. Italy now needs to win a playoff to stay in the World Group.
The Czechs already earned a spot in the quarters following their victories in the opening singles and the doubles and rested their top players — Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek in the reverse singles.
Earlier Sunday, Lukas Rosol came from a set down to upset Andreas Seppi for the Czech Republic to stretch its lead to 4-0.
Rosol, ranked 78th, converted his fourth match point against his 42nd-ranked opponent and is unbeaten in Davis Cup with two wins.
Berdych and Stepanek defeated Daniele Braccialli and Potito Starace 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in Saturday's doubles and on Friday, Stepanek overcame Seppi in five sets, and Berdych defeated Bolelli in four.
