LILLE, France — After an agonizing defeat in Croatia’s previous Davis Cup final, there was no letdown for Marin Cilic this time. Cilic was leading by two sets against Juan Martín del Potro two years ago, with host Croatia leading Argentina by 2-1 on the final day, when his game collapsed, and Argentina fought back and ultimately won the final. This weekend in northern France, Cilic did not give even a glimmer of hope to his French opponents that they could stage a comeback of their own. On the indoor clay court set up inside the Lille soccer stadium and in front of a hostile crowd, Cilic was ruthless and composed. His clinical display on Sunday secured a 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-3 win over Lucas Pouille to give Croatia a 3-1 victory over France, the defending champion, in the best-of-five series.

Source: New York Times November 25, 2018 22:39 UTC