Thursday, December 1, 2016

Davis Cup final: Croatia lead Argentina in Zagreb

Ivan Dodig (R) and Marin Cilic celebrate after winning the doubles on Saturday
Ivan Dodig (R) and Marin Cilic celebrate after winning the doubles on Saturday

Croatia will take a 2-1 advantage into the last day of the Davis Cup final after winning Saturday's doubles against Argentina in Zagreb.

Buoyed on by home support, Marin Cilic and Ivan Dodig beat Juan Martin del Potro and Leonardo Mayer 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 in two hours, 46 minutes.

There was little to choose between the two pairs in the opening set after 12 games went with serve.

The only break point belonged to the visitors in game three before Croatia swept into a 3-0 lead in the tie-break.

The second set also went the way of a tie-break after two breaks of serve, with the hosts recovering from 2-1 down to win six of the next eight points.

Diego Maradona cheers on Argentina in Zagreb
Diego Maradona cheers on Argentina in Zagreb

In the third set, the disconsolate Argentinians could do little as Mayer was broken in game six and Croatia closed out the match to 15.

On Sunday, Cilic opens up against Del Potro, with Federico Delbonis and Ivo Karlovic scheduled to face each other in the fifth rubber.

Croatia will be hoping to secure their second title following their maiden triumph in 2005, while Argentina are competing in the final for a fifth time and will be looking to lift the trophy for the first time.

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