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Monday July 13, 2009

Croatia knock out US to reach Davis Cup last four

PARIS: Croatia knocked 32-time champions USA out of the Davis Cup yesterday and will tackle the Czech Republic in September’s semi-finals.

Croatia, the 2005 champions, took an unassailable 3-1 lead in their quarter-final in Porec when Marin Cilic defeated James Blake 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.

The Czech Republic, whose lone Davis Cup title came back in 1980, eliminated last year’s finalists Argentina in Ostrava with Radek Stepanek defeating Juan Monaco 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, 6-2 in the decisive rubber.

It was a disappointment for the Argentines who earlier saw the balance tip briefly in their favour when world No. 5 Juan Martin del Potro beat Tomas Berdych 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

The Czech Republic, who will have to travel to Croatia, last reached the semi-finals in 1996.

The second semi-final will feature Israel, who made sure of victory against Russia on Saturday, against either defending champions Spain or Germany who were locked at 2-2 in their quarter-final in Marbella.

Philipp Kohlschreiber brought Germany level when he defeated world No. 9 Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 6-2, 1-6, 2-6, 8-6.

“I’m proud to play for Germany and maybe for me that’s easier; there’s lots of spectators and a great court,” said Kohlschreiber. — AFP

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