(Tennis news) A three set win by Marin Cilic over Pablo Carreno Busta eliminated hosts Spain from the Davis Cup in Malaga, thereby setting up an encounter against Australia in the semi final. Cilic made a stunning comeback after losing the opening set 7-5 but then won the second set 6-3 and went on to recover from 4-1 down in the deciding-set tiebreak to win 7-5 in three hours and 13 minutes. Croatia, who finished runners-up to Russia in the 2021 Davis Cup now have a 2-0 lead ahead of their encounter against Australia on Friday.

Speaking after the match, Cilic said “It’s an incredible effort by the team. I like the big stage, I like the big crowd. It gives me extra motivation. I felt very, very well on the serve and I think in the end that’s what made the difference.” Australia, who have won the Davis Cup 28 times in the past, progressed to the semi finals after a 2-0 win over the Netherlands with Jordan Thompson and Alex de Minaur securing victories in three sets despite being a set down in the beginning.

Thompson beat Tallon Griekspoor 4-6 7-5 6-3, while De Minaur overcame Botic van de Zandschulp 5-7 6-3 6-4. The quarter-finals of the Davis Cup will take place on Thursday with Germany taking on Canada while Italy will face 32 time champions USA and the winner will participate in the second semi final. The Davis Cup final will be held on Sunday, 27th November.

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