If it goes to Croatia’s top player Marin Cilic, then there will be no favourites in the 106th Davis Cup final against host France from Friday in Lille.
Marin Cilic looked a little tired when he was supposed to talk in Lille about the Croatian side’s chances in the final against France. But with every word, the world ranking seventh seemed to become more alert. “It’s hard to make a team a favorite. Both teams have their advantages,” said the 30-year-old. Knowing full well that the Croats have not lost an away game since 2015.
Cilic does not believe that the switch from Hardcourt to Sandplatz will be difficult after the ATP finals in London. “I’ll be ready. We’ve had Davis Cup games on clay before, when we played on hard court at a tournament. Besides, ash is faster in the hall than outside”, stressed the US Open winner from 2014, who has good memories of the “Equipe Tricolore”.
In 2016 Cilic won the semi-final against France in Zadar with his two singles and the decisive doubles alongside Ivan Dodig. Croatia, 2005 champion, were beaten 2-3 two months later in a memorable final between Argentina and Juan Martin del Potro in Zagreb.
France will start as defending champion in the Stade Pierre Mauroy and will grab his eleventh title in the last final of the traditional form. In the direct duel between the two teams the score is 1:1. The hosts want to prepare a tailor-made farewell for their team boss Yannick Noah. The 1983 French Open winner will be replaced after the final by two-time Grand Slam winner Amelie Mauresmo.