(Tennis news) Croatia entered the final with a win over Serbia as the doubles pair of Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic won the final match for the team at Davis Cup. Borna Gojo won the first tie against Dusan Lajovic for his third victory in as many matches to give Croatia the first point of the match. In the second match, Novak Djokovic annihilated Marin Cilic for his 18th win over the Croatian in 20 matches as the semifinal was back on track. In the final match, Mektic and Pavic were just too good for Djokovic and Filip Krajinovic as Serbia’s run came to an end.

Borna Gojo was once again the hero of the match as he continued playing above his standards. Borna had leads at the start of all the three sets against Lajovic, in the first set Borna was leading 4-2, 40-0 until Lajovic came back into the match like a madman to take the first set. Overcoming heartbreak, Borna gave life to the Croatian supporters as he took the second set and then went on to do the same in the final set as it was 1-0 for Croatia.

In the second match, Novak was playing like he had played all year, something only few players could handle as Cilic found no way out as he lost in an hour to give Serbia the point and make it 1-1. The doubles match started with Pavic and Mektic as favourites as they have been the top doubles this pair and were against Djokovic and Krajinovic. The favourites did not give the Serbian supporters a ray of hope as they demolished the pair to win the final match and reach the final which will take place on Sunday.

Croatia defeated Serbia 2-1

Borna Gojo defeated Dusan Lajovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, Djokovic defeated Cilic 6-4, 6-2, Mektic and Pavic defeated Djokovic and Krajinovic 7-5, 6-1.

Russia will face Germany in the second semi final which will take place today. The Russians are the clear favourites as in the last match, they took only three hours to beat Sweden while Germany had to play all the three matches against Great Britain. Andrey Rublev’s victory in the first match will help them seal the tie as Daniil Medvedev is in great form, if Rublev is defeated then the doubles match will be in favour of Germany as Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz have won their last three matches. 

Aslan Karatsev and Rublev played twice in the group stage against Spain and Ecuador and even though the pair won in three setters, it will be difficult against the Germans. Rublev’s all three matches have gone till the third set, there will be pressure on him but is expected to win the tie for the team. Germany can win the tie which is unlikely if they win the first tie against Rublev and then win the doubles match. Prediction Russia 2-0, 2-1.

Also read: Russia seals semifinal spot with victory over Sweden in Davis Cup