Argentina clinch maiden Davis Cup title

Zagreb, November 28

Argentina lifted their first Davis Cup title after Juan Martin del Potro and Federico Delbonis won Sunday’s reverse singles to complete the South American nation’s spectacular comeback in a 3-2 victory over hosts Croatia in the final.

Del Potro fought back from two sets down to beat Marin Cilic 6-7(4) 2-6 7-5 6-4 6-3 before Delbonis swept aside Ivo Karlovic 6-3 6-4 6-2 in the decisive rubber, sparking wild celebrations among several thousand away fans.

Argentina joined the list of Davis Cup winners after losing all four finals they had previously contested and their dismal record in the title showdown appeared set to continue when Cilic came within a set of clinching Croatia’s second title.

The 2005 winners saw the red carpet pulled from under their feet, however, as a battling del Potro launched a ferocious comeback and played through the fifth set with a broken finger on his left hand.

“It happened when I tried to catch a ball in the fifth set,” del Potro, who had struggled with wrist injuries in recent years, told a news conference before rushing back courtside to watch Delbonis pick apart Karlovic. 

“This was an emotionally exhausting match and one of the biggest wins of my career. Thanks to all those who prevented me from retiring, I was very close to never playing again and, well, here I am.” 

The Argentine fans, including the country’s former soccer World Cup winner Diego Maradona in the VIP box, treated their team to a standing ovation at the end of the tie as disappointed home supporters left the Zagreb Arena in a hurry. — Reuters