World No.7 Tomas Berdych returns to the Czech Republic’s Davis Cup side to face France in this month’s semi-finals after missing out on the quarter-final win against Japan.

He joins Lukas Rosol (27th in the ATP rankings), Radek Stepanek (39) and Jiri Vesely (75) for the September 12-14 date with the French in Paris, captain Jaroslav Navratil announced on Tuesday.

“I’m very happy that Tomas Berdych, our number one, is playing this match. With him we’ve got a chance of winning,” said Navratil.

The Czech Republic are vying for their third straight Davis Cup title. They have met the French 14 times already in Davis Cup action, with the score seven wins apiece.

France’s team comprises Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (10th in the world), Richard Gasquet (14), Gal Monfils (24), Julien Benneteau (28) and Gilles Simon (31).

“The French team makes me scared, I have to admit it,” commented Navratil.

France, finalists in 2010, last captured the title in 2001.