One win is all that is required for Croatia to defeat Argentina and win their second Davis Cup trophy on home soil at the Arena Zagreb.
The host nation secured a 2-1 lead in the tie after Marin Cilic and Ivan Dodig enjoyed a 7-6(2), 7-6(4), 6-3 triumph over Juan Martin del Potro and Leonardo Mayer in Saturday’s doubles match. The win occurred a day after Cilic also won his five-sets match on Friday against Federico Delbonis.
The momentum is behind the Croats going into the final day of the tie, but that alone is not enough to secure the title. Sunday will see Cilic face off against del Potro in what will be a critical match for both countries. In previous encounters del Potro has usually come out on top, winning eight out of their ten meetings (including one this year in Stockholm). On the other hand, the Argentine knows he has a tough task ahead of him against the home favourite.
“I know it’s going to be a difficult match.” Said del Potro. “I know him very very well. He has done so well this year, finishing in the top 10 in the world. I know that match will be tough, but I will try to do my best as I do every time.”
The somewhat lukewarm viewpoint of the beloved Argentine is one also shared by Cilic. This season Cilic has broken new territory on the ATP Tour by reaching a ranking high of sixth in the world and has won two titles (Cincinnati Masters and Basel). Statistically, he appears to be the stronger of the two, however, del Potro has defeated five top 10 players since his comeback from injury in February this year.
“I think we are both in a similar situation. We have stayed on the court quite similar (time-wise) over the last two days.” Said Cilic.
“For me it is a bit easier because I won today (Saturday), obviously that’s makes it a bit easier mentally to prepare (for the final day).”
Ironically the Davis Cup title might not be decided by the best two players in the tournament. Should del Potro win, Delbonis and Ivo Karlovic will fight it out for the trophy in the final match. Their last meeting occurred earlier this year at the Tokyo Open where Karlovic edged past his rival in three close tiebreaks.
“It is going to be a very tough last day of the Davis Cup. It’s the final and there is going to be a lot of fight out there on the court.” Croatian captain Željko Krajan stated.
A Croatian win on Sunday would bring heartbreak to their rivals, who have already settled for runners-up four times in the competition. Suffering a loss on Saturday was a blow to Argentina’s dream of lifting their maiden title, but team captain Daniel Orsanic has dismissed doubts about his groups motivation.
“This team, this group of professionals, this group of Argentines does not need any more motivation, they have plenty of it. We are looking forward (to Sunday) and will give our best.” He said with confidence.
The final day of the Davis Cup tie will get underway at 13:00 GMT.
The tie so far
Here is the order of play for today! Marin Cilic v Juan Martin del Potro to start the day should be an absolute blockbuster! pic.twitter.com/ClPjfhNlGP
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) 27 November 2016
