“The crowd helped me to stay in there,” said Cilic, who blew a two-set lead over Jack Sock in the opening rubber of his team’s quarterfinal win over the United States.” It was not easy after being two-sets-to-love up. Federico played great tennis from the middle of the third till the end of the fourth. He was not missing much. He was playing really aggressive. It wasn’t easy.“
Del Potro could have had an easier time of things in his rubber, but he failed to convert either of two set points in the second set against Karlovic. The 2009 U.S. Open champion missed a set point on his own serve at 6-4 in the ‘breaker and Karlovic came up with an impressive short volley to save the second one at 5-6. Over the next two sets though, Del Potro–who never faced a break point in the match–took control.
“I think Ivo played very good tennis in those moments and of course I was nervous after I lost the second set, but in the end I had to take the longer road to victory,” Del Potro reflected. “The atmosphere was fantastic. Our fans were great but (the) Croatian fans were brilliant, too, and showed us a lot of respect. It was an exhausting match, but I think I will be okay for the rest of the weekend.”
“I am not overly exhausted because there weren’t too many long rallies,” Karlovic noted. “I don’t think I was on top of my game and with a rest day for me tomorrow, I am ready to play the decisive fifth rubber if necessary.”
A fifth rubber would feature Karlovic and Delbonis. The fourth rubber between Cilic and Del Potro is guaranteed to be live, as one of the two nations will hold a slim 2-1 advantage following Saturday’s doubles match.
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who ya got?
Whoever wins dubs on Saturday will win. Croatia should use Cilic in dubs with Dodig, I think that would give them a better chance. Cilic isn’t beating Delpo, so they might as well use him for dubs. Dr. Ivo will win against Delbonis. I’m going Croatia, 3-2!
Also, great work Ricky. You always do a great job!
Thanks!
Delpo in 5, Ivo in 4 (if played), Croatia 3-2.
I think it all comes down to the doubles as it often does in DC.
Very exciting doubles match going on now, Cilic vs Delpo FH to FH exchanges even in doubles? A preview of what we will have come this Sunday.
I don’t recognize the guy playing with Delpo in this doubles match. I see Dodig with Cilic.
Croatia up a set.
It’s Leonardo Mayer, Nny. He’s underwhelming in Doubles! But Delpo isn’t exactly saving the day.
Cilic moves well for a giant, and so does Delpo. Not much separates them in Croatia — Marin will be tough. Delpo is better over 5 sets in a situation like it will be; not that Cilic doesn’t train equally hard and put in the hard yards to be ready for Bo5. Delpo in 4 tho.
However if Cilic wins the match and the DC trophy — I’ll be looking for him to win a 2nd GS in 2017.
Karlovic is better than ever – just wow. I’m dreaming. I’ll take Delbonis in 4 or 5.
Croatia to win dubs. But Argentina to win big, under immense pressure on Sunday. Bring it home, Delpo Vamos!
Gosh, in the first set TB. Dodig is going to get this for his team.
Ouch, too easy for Croatia — appears…
Possible but I don’t think it’s likely. I think Del Po is slight favorite to beat Cilic but the home support could give him the win. Delbonis will probably not beat Ivo if they play though. I’m thinking Cilic loses then Ivo wins and Croatia takes it 3-2. That was a big win for Cilic and Dodig in doubles. They’ve been amazing in doubles this season, beating the likes of Herbert/Mahut and Bryan Bros and now winning the dubs rubber in the final. Clutch stuff from that team.