Argentina win Davis Cup title

Del Potro said he is looking forward to facing Cilic on Sunday in what could be the decisive match.

This was the first Davis Cup title for Argentina in its fifth final since 1981.

Croatia’s only previous Davis Cup title was in 2005.

Out of the game for almost two years and forced to undergo three wrist operations, del Potro’s comeback has been the feel-good story for tennis this year. “We could have lost, but the guys were fantastic today”. Juan Martin won an incredible match and Federico played the match of his life. People supported me a lot, I felt it and it helped me to be more relaxed.

“It’s a very hard defeat to take, although I am pleased with the level of my tennis”, he said.

Looking tired and moving around with some difficulty, Del Potro looked out for the count after Cilic clinched the first set tie-break and then raced through the second set.

Del Potro and Cilic are both US Open winners and were among the top entertainers on the ATP Tour in 2016.

Delbonis, urged on by a sea of sky blue and white in the crowd, raced into a two-set lead against his 37-year-old opponent.

Juan Martin del Potro was already the feel-good story of the 2016 men’s tennis year before this weekend’s thunderclap ending in Zagreb, Croatia.

On Saturday, the Croats dominated tiebreakers in the first two sets with Dodig making some spectacular shots and Cilic holding his serve at key points.

Delbonis, who won the final match, said: “I still can’t believe it”.

He won 12 of the final 13 points of the match, finally clinching his fairy tale comeback at the four hour and 53-minute mark.

Del Potro remains optimistic about Argentina’s chances despite his nation needing two wins on Sunday. “Davis Cup series are always physically challenging, with long matches in which the mental part plays a key role, and I am ready to face the challenge”. Adding to Schafer’s big win, four Cowboys recorded bonus point victories to put the Gophers away, including a first-period fall by Chandler Rogers at 165 pounds.

It was a fine performance from the Olympic silver medallist, who had secured Argentina’s appearance in their fifth final when seeing off Andy Murray – his Rio conqueror – in an epic five-setter against the defending champions Great Britain in the semi-final in Glasgow.