The boisterous crowd who came to cheer the Croatian Davis Cuppers at the Spaladium Arena in Split could not boost their home team past the more experienced Serbian posse at this weekend’s Davis Cup quarterfinal tie. The decisive 4-1 rout puts the team of Djokovic, Tipsarevic, Troicki, and Zimonjic in the semifinals — a first for their country in Davis Cup history. (Scoreline: Tie details)
Still, props to Marin Cilic for wearing his checkered Fila tee and notching the one “W” for Croatia (the second singles rubber, against Troicki). The lanky 21-year-old was gracious in his post-match presser, picking Nole and his team to the take the Cup this year.
The Serbs — pampered in their digs — showed up in a variety of kits all showcasing their country’s colors. Nole picked a solid red polo from Sergio Tacchini while Nenad opted for a more playful version in Lacoste. Troicki sprinkled some blue in his Los tee while Janko and his bangs stayed safe with Fila. On the Croatian side, Ljubicic and Dodig‘s Li Ning kits were both as uninspired as their play.
(images via Getty Images)
Congratulatons to the serian team on their win. Also to all the players of both countries for good sportmanship. May be the Croatian fans should take a page out their players book and not act like such hooligans. About time to act like human beings and leave the animosity behind them because sport and politics do not mix.
I have to respect Djoko for playing right after Wimby and actually trying. I also LOVE Nalbo in Davis Cup, but wish so badly he had lived up to his potential. What a waste of tremendous talent!