Del Potro reveals broken finger

Del Potro had been on the verge of tears after completing victory over Cilic and emotions understandably ran high once again as Argentina finally broke their Davis Cup duck, following four runner-up finishes and three in the last 10 years alone.

Sunday nearly signaled the completion of an Argentine nightmare that had begun on Saturday, when Cilic and Ivan Dodig took care of Del Potro and Leonardo Mayer 7-6 (2), 7-6 (4), 6-3 to put the Croats ahead 2-1.

Juan Martin Del Potro produced another inspiring effort and performance in his rise to the top of the game as he kept Argentina in the running for the Davis Cup crown.

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.

But Del Potro recovered, showing the kind of form he displayed in beating Andy Murray as Argentina knocked out holders Britain in the semi-finals to set up a deciding rubber.

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

He revealed his broken finger after his singles victory.

Orsanic said: “It is a great honour to be a team captain to this group of professionals”.

“Overall today I have to say I’m satisfied”, Krajan said. “We could have lost, but the guys were awesome today”.

If Karlovic had prevailed, it would have been Croatia’s second David Cup title and he would have been the oldest player to win a finals match in Cup competition. Defeat for the 2009 US Open Champion would have spelt the end of the tie. Delbonis ten defeated Ivo Karlovic in straight sets to help Argentina to their first Davis Cup final. I tried to be focused and to do what I should have to. “After all, this is the final”, Cilic said.

Cilic had earlier beaten Delbonis 6-3,7-5, 3-6, 1-6,6-2. Up two sets to love, the Croatian player needed only another set to win the title. Cilic suddenly rediscovered his serving groove, and didn’t give Delbonis a chance. “I was determined to start playing better”. But if he was feeling nervous, he didn’t let it show: a confident demeanor and a prepared response for Karlovic’s big serves were all he needed to take care of business in just over two hours.

Cilic served 17 aces in the match watched by some 12,000 fans, including thousands of Argentinians who outshouted the home supporters.

“This is fabulous”, Delbonis said.

The first set goes to a tiebreaker and Cilic in the red now has set point leading 6-4.