Sports briefly

Roddick, Blake win as U.S. leads Davis Cup Clay nearly became a quagmire for the United States as it began defense of its Davis Cup title.

Andy Roddick was extended to five sets Friday on what he said was a "terrible" court. James Blake got by his opening singles with what he suspects was his best match on clay, giving the Americans a 2-0 lead over Austria in the first round in Vienna.

Roddick defeated 57th-ranked Jurgen Melzer 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-3 on the slow indoor clay, a surface that has bedeviled the U.S. many times before.

"The court was terrible, the worst I ever played on in Davis Cup," Roddick said. "It was the tough match I expected, but I won and that means we accomplished our goal."

Blake had far less trouble once he got past the first set, defeating Stefan Koubek 5-7, 7-5, 6-2, 6-2.

The U.S. can clinch the best-of-five series and reach the quarterfinals by winning today's doubles match. Twins Bob and Mike Bryan will play Melzer and Julian Knowle.

In other first-round play in the World Group, Russia (over Serbia), France (over Romania), Argentina (over Britain) and Czech Republic (over Belgium) took 2-0 leads. Tied 1-1 were Israel-Sweden and Germany-South Korea 1. Spain played Peru in the remaining series.

PSU suspends pair Penn State receiver Chris Bell and defensive tackle Phillip Taylor were suspended from the team, the latest players facing disciplinary issues in a turbulent year off the field for the Nittany Lions. Academic and off-the-field issues were cited.

Defensive tackle Chris Baker and backup linebacker Navorro Bowman and cornerback Knowledge Timmons previously were kicked off the team, at least temporarily.

• Appalachian State, which upset Michigan in last year's season opener, will open its season Aug. 30 at Louisiana State, the reigning national champion. The Mountaineers have won the past three Division I-AA titles.

• Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis won't be calling plays next season. Offensive coordinator Mike Haywood will call plays so Weis, coming off a 3-9 season, can concentrate on his duties as head coach.

• Florida hired former Iowa State coach Dan McCarney as assistant head coach.

Bowman's blood-alcohol level was measured at 0.12 percent and cocaine, Valium and marijuana were in his system. Also present was the prescription medicine Seroquel, which is used to treat bipolar disorder.

Gymnastics: Kevin Mazeika will coach the U.S. men's team at the Olympics for the second consecutive time, the team announced.