Intro:

France power into a 2-0 lead after the opening day of their Davis Cup semi-final against the Czech Republic.

Script:

France took a giant step towards the Davis Cup final after Richard Gasquet and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga both triumphed in Friday's World Group semi-finals singles rubbers against the Czech Republic.

Gasquet claimed first blood for France over the defending champions with victory over Tomas Berdych in the first match of the day.

The Washington semi-finalist came through to win 6-3 6-2 6-3 in a match time of two hours and eight minutes.

Next up was Tsonga, who took on the big-hitting Lukas Rosol in the next singles rubber.

The world No 12 made it 2-0 to France with another straight-sets victory, dropping one fewer game than Gasquet.

Tsonga won 6-2 6-2 6-3 in just over and hour and a half to put France just one victory away from a place in the final.

The French capital is famous for its landmarks and the hosts possess a towering lead over the Czech Republic.