Stepanek has been rewarded for his good form

Radek Stepanek celebrated his first call-up to the Czech Republic's Davis Cup team with a straight sets win over compatriot Jiri Novak at the Milan Indoors event.

Stepanek followed up a fine five-set victory over Gustavo Kuerten at the Australian Open with a 6-4 6-3 triumph over the tournament's top seed.

Second seed Sjeng Schalken followed Novak out, when he was beaten 6-3 6-4 by Thomas Enqvist.

Stepanek, Novak and doubles pair Cyril Suk and Martin Damm will team up for the Czechs against Russia in the Davis Cup first-round tie starting on 7 February.

Russia have named Marat Safin in their squad, despite his wrist injury, along with Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Mikhail Youzhny and Nikolay Davydenko.

Youzhny, who was Russia's hero in their Davis Cup final win over France, will be confident of playing another starring role for his country after ending Novak's Australian Open hopes in the third round.

In other results in Milan, seventh seed Nicolas Escude was another upset victim - falling to Dominik Hrbaty 6-4 1-6 6-3.

And Max Mirnyi of Belarus went through to the second round after Kenneth Carlsen retired with the score at 7-5 2-6 4-0.