Davis Cup glory for Argentina

The matchup between Del Potro and Cilic was a nail-biter all the way through, as the Argentine went down to a two-set disadvantage but then clawed his way back in an emotional and spectacular performance before some 15,000 spectators at the Zagreb Arena. In the decisive rubber, Delbonis swept aside Ivo Karlovic 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. This was the first comeback from 2 sets to love down for the Argentine (he forced the 5th set in those situations only once before) and it may prove to be the crucial match of the entire tie, as the victor will be determined between Ivo Karlovic and Federico Delbonis.

Argentina coach Daniel Orsanic added: “The guys were awesome today”.

“The guys were incredible today”, said a delighted Orsanic in a court-side interview. “His achievement borders the impossible, while Federico played a ideal match and was on top of every ball throughout the contest”.

Two tiebreak set losses are harsh at the best of times, but in a final it’s something else. The Croatian duo converted the second of three opportunities.

Cilic rained down a barrage of aces and service winners in the opening set after breaking his opponent’s serve in the fourth game to edge ahead. Two ground strokes, first a forehand long then a looping backhand, saw Del Potro break at the sixth attempt.

And with an early break in the third, the writing was on the wall for the 2005 champions.

Croatia’s Marin Cilic and Ivan Dodig in action during their David Cup doubles final match against Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer and Juan Martin del Potro at the Arena Zagreb in Croatia, November 26, 2016.

The match is far from over, however, because Del Potro has an 8-2 advantage in his head-to-head record against Cilic.

It was the first time ever that del Potro had come back from two sets down, and another accomplishment to add to what has been a solid season for him. The world No. 41 handled the enormous occasion in expert fashion, whereas Karlovic committed seven double-faults and lost his usually fearsome serve five times in 13 service games.

“We played with our heart and tried to do [our] best”, Delbonis explained.

Argentina had lost in four previous finals and it looked like it would be five when Cilic raced into a 2-0 lead. “We did all we could but unfortunately it wasn’t enough”.