Internet Desk: Argentina won its maiden Davis Cup title by defeating hosts Croatia 3-2 on Sunday at the Zagreb Arena. Federico Delbonis won the deciding rubber against Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to help his country win the title.
Earlier Juan Martin del Potro, cheered on by Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, staged an incredible comeback from two sets down to beat Marin Cilic in the opening reverse singles to level the tie at 2-2.
Left-hander Delbonis then tamed the big-serving Karlovic as Argentina, runners-up on four previous occasions, became just the 15th country to lift the trophy in 116 years.
“This is one of those dreams that has come true,” said Delbonis.
“I tried to keep focused to do what I had to do, that’s all I could think because if I thought about anything else it would be a disaster.”
Delbonis lost the first singles to Cilic in five sets to give the home side the lead. But he came back strongly to get past Karlovic, who is ranked 21 places higher in the reverse singles. The win also helped the visitors erase the memories of disappointing finals in 1981, 2006, 2008 and 2011.
Rio Olympic silver medalist, Del Potro outlplayed Cilic in an epic five-hour battle of former US Open champions.
“I was positive all the time and did not let my head drop after going two sets down,” said Del Potro.
“This was an emotionally exhausting match and one of the biggest wins of my career.”