Day One: Czech Republic 1-1 Great Britain

Henman (Gbr) bt Dosedal (Cze) 6-7 (4/7), 5-7, 6-1, 7-5, 6-3
(click for separate report )

Novak (Cze) bt Jamie Delgado (Gbr) 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3

Czech no 1 Jiri Novak brought his country all square in their Davis Cup tie with Great Britain after a straight sets win over Jamie Delgado.

The gulf in class between Novak and Delgado proved how essential Tim Henman's five-set comeback had been earlier in the day.

The British no 1 was 2-0 down but still beat Czech no 2 Slava Dosedel 6-7(4/7), 5-7, 6-1, 7-5, 6-3.

And while Henman's stirring fightback inspired Delgado into scrapping all the way himself, Novak was simply too good for Britain's stand-in for the injured Greg Rusedski.

Delgado was certainly not disgraced, taking the first set to a tie-break and even breaking Novak's serve.

But the Czech was never in trouble as he wrapped up a comfortable victory.

Delgado said he was happier than after his previous Cup appearance against Zimbabwe in 1997.

"It was a lot better than my last Davis Cup match and the way I played gives me confidence that I can beat these guys," he said.

"I have to keep my head up and keep working because it might come down to the last match."

Before that possible meeting with Dosedal Novak now goes into the doubles alongside David Rikl having had a much easier task than Henman on day one.

The British no 1 partners Neil Broad in Saturday's doubles, which will probably decide the tie along with Henman's singles battle with Novak on Sunday.

Henman feels confident his extra training will enable him to shake off any fatigue for the days ahead.

And British team captain David Lloyd said it was no surprise to end the first day all square.

"In Davis Cup doubles always seems to be important and at 1-1 it's going to be a cruncher.

"Novak and Rikl are a good pair but so are Tim and Neil so it's going to be a good match."

Good day's work

Lloyd added: "Tim came back from a very difficult position and Jamie was a couple of points away from being one set all so it's been a very good day.

"Tim's match could have gone either way in the first two sets and once he got the third set I thought he could still do it and he came through and played some great tennis.

"He has enormous self-belief, that's very important to have and that's what makes him a very good player.

"And if Jamie starts believing a little bit more in himself these guys are there for the taking."

Remaining matches

5 February
Doubles (beginning 1345GMT): Jiri Novak & David Rikl v Tim Henman & Neil Broad

6 February
First singles (beginning 1200GMT):Novak v Henman
Second singles: Dosedel v Delgado