Spain have drawn first blood in the Davis Cup final as David Ferrer defeated Radek Stepanek in the first rubber of the weekend.
World number five Ferrer was in typically dogged mood at the O2 Arena in Prague as he saw off Stepanek 6-3 6-4 6-4.
Friday's second rubber sees Tomas Berdych take on Nicolas Almagro.
Spain are looking to win their fourth David Cup title in five years following their triumphs in 2008, 2009 and 2011.