POREC, Croatia, (Reuters) – Croatia powered into the Davis Cup semi-finals when Marin Cilic beat James Blake of the U.S. 6-3 6-3 4-6 6-2 in the first reverse singles yesterday.
“This is one of the biggest matches of my career and I think I played great from the start to the end,” said Cilic whose success gave the home side an unbeatable 3-1 lead.
“It got a bit complicated in the third set when my legs felt a bit heavy and Blake took the initiative, but with the great help from the supporters I managed to regain my strength.”
Croatia extended their unbeaten record against the United States, 32-time Davis Cup winners, to 3-0 and now play the Czech Republic at home in the semis in September after the Czechs beat Argentina 3-2.
Ivo Karlovic had put Croatia 1-0 up on the opening day after coming back from two sets down to beat Blake 6-7 4-6 6-3 7-6 7-5. Cilic made it 2-0 in another five-set thriller by outlasting Mardy Fish who replaced injured Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick.
The Americans had high hopes of levelling the tie yesterday after the world number one pair Bob and Mike Bryan easily beat Roko Karanusic and Lovro Zovko in the doubles on Saturday.
However, Croatia coach Goran Prpic’s decision to rest both of the first-choice players for the final ties proved crucial, as Cilic put up one of his best performances.
He said: “Blake took the initiative and played great in the third set and it was not easy for me to keep the rhythm at the same level the entire time, but the crowd gave me support when I needed it most.”
Blake said: “I felt I gave Marin a few too many chances. I played a little too passive, didn’t take as many risks as I normally do and he took advantage of it.”
Bob Bryan beat Roko Karanusic 5-7 6-3 7-6 in the dead fifth rubber to make the final score 3-2 to the home side after Karlovic was given a well-deserved rest.
Looking ahead to the semis, Cilic said: “The Czechs have a very strong team and it’s going to be tough, but with such a home crowd, I think we have a slight advantage and stand a good chance of reaching the final.”
