Croatia Takes Early Lead Against United States in Davis Cup Rubber
September 14, 2018 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo courtesy of USTA/Rhea Nall
The rubber match between the United States and Croatia got underway in Zader on Friday, with Croatia winning the first two rubbers to open up a 2-0 advantage in the Davis Cup World Cup Semifinals.
In the first rubber, Borna Coric defeated Steve Johnson 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-3 in two hours and 24 minutes. Coric it 24 winners to just 15 unforced errors, and broke Johnson three times.
Marin Cilic extended the Croatian lead by beating Frances Tiafoe 6-1, 6-3, 7-6(5) in the second rubber, bringing Croatia within one victory of the overall team win this weekend.
The semifinal continues on Saturday, with the next match featuring Mike Bryan and Ryan Harrison taking on Ivan Dodig and Mate Pavic.
