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

Gael Monfils served 27 aces as he extended France's lead over Argentina to 2-0 in their Davis Cup semi-final with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over former No. 3-ranked David Nalbandian yesterday.

Michael Llodra had earlier put the French ahead by defeating Juan Monaco 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.

No.2-ranked Novak Djokovic was a late withdrawal from Serbia's team for the first day's play, saying he was still tired after his run to the US Open final, and his replacement Viktor Troicki lost the opener 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 to Radek Stepanek in Belgrade.

Janko Tipsarevic will look to give Serbia a 2-0 advantage by when he takes on Tomas Berdych in the other singles match.