Croatia knocks U.S. out of Davis Cup

[White Falcon]

Even Agassi\'s return didn\'t help Americans


U.S.A - Croatia 2:3

Agassi - Ljubicic 3:6 6:7 3:6
Roddick - Ancic 4:6 6:2 6:1 6:4

B.Bryan/M.Bryan - Ljubicic/Ancic 6:3 6:7 4:6 4:6

Roddick - Ljubicic 6:4 3:6 6:7 7:6 2:6
B.Bryan - Karanusic 6:2 3:6 6:1

CARSON, Calif. (AP) -- Even Andre Agassi couldn't lead the U.S. team to Davis Cup success.


The Americans sent out an impressive group against Croatia, with Agassi back after five years to join Andy Roddick and doubles specialists Bob and Mike Bryan. Ivan Ljubicic proved too much for all of them, almost single-handedly leading his country to a 3-2 opening-round victory Sunday.

The 25-year-old Ljubicic ran his record against the United States to 6-0 with two singles wins to bookend a doubles victory. He also won three times two years ago when Croatia knocked the Americans out in the first round.


U.S. captain Patrick McEnroe obviously was disappointed with the loss -- and very impressed by Ljubicic's performance.

``To play that well, to beat Agassi, the Bryans and Roddick back-to-back, it's an impressive performance,'' McEnroe said.

Ljubicic finished off his iron man stint with a marathon victory over Roddick, propelling Croatia into the quarterfinals against Romania.

On a roll that has carried him to four tour finals this year, Ljubicic was proud to win for his country.

``I think all around the world, this is going to be big news because to beat Andre, Bryans and Roddick in three days, I think it's a great effort,'' he said.

``I was thinking if I could just win one singles, just to keep up the momentum and just keep the confidence up. But I did it all the way, so it is just amazing.''

The United States has won the Cup 31 times, but not for a decade. The drought is the Americans' longest in 68 years.

Ljubicic outlasted Roddick 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (11), 6-7 (7), 6-2 in a match that featured a highlight reel's worth of spectacular shots by both players and lasted 3 hours, 58 minutes.

``There's no worse feeling than losing a match in Davis Cup in our sport, especially when your teammates are counting on you,'' Roddick said. ``There are so many people that you're playing for and that you feel like you've let down.''

Since Croatia clinched the round with one singles remaining, Bob Bryan filled in for Agassi and took a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory over Roko Karanusic, who replaced Mario Ancic.

Roddick had beaten Ancic in four sets in their opening-day match.

Ljubicic began the round with a straight-set win over Agassi, then teamed with Ancic to hand Bob Bryan and his twin brother, Mike, their first Davis Cup loss in six matches.

Both Roddick and Ljubicic played extremely well in their match, with Roddick rocketing one serve that hit 152 mph. But Ljubicic was able to punch back some of the powerful first serves, and he pounced on Roddick's 73 second serves to win 41 points.

After winning the fourth-set tiebreaker, Roddick immediately lost his serve to start the fifth set. Ljubicic broke through again in the fifth game to take clear control.

The Croatian, no slouch himself serving, matched Roddick's total of 19 aces.

Croatia seemed to have almost as many fans as the home team in the lively, drum-banging and somewhat rowdy crowd of 6,584. Southern California is home to a large number of transplanted Croatians. When Ljubicic finished Roddick off with a service winner, the Croatian team locked arms and gleefully broke into a jig on the court.

[Phlegethon]

I'm sure you're a part of the Axis of Evil now.

[Heretik]

Originally Posted by Phlegethon

I'm sure you're a part of the Axis of Evil now.

We'll have to wait the bombings to start.

[Ferran]

Congratulations for the victory , even Zrinski will probably begin to love this "lamer" competition a little more.

[Ederico]

Originally Posted by Phlegethon

I'm sure you're a part of the Axis of Evil now.

LOL - An incredibly hilarious comment. Reputation Points given.

Congratualions Croatia!

[Kräuterhexe]

Welcome to the "altes Europa" (old europe).

Well, good work.

[Phlegethon]

After all there is a historical precedent:

http://www.tifonet.it/soccer/wc_usa_ira.html

[Ederico]

Originally Posted by Phlegethon

After all there is a historical precedent:

http://www.tifonet.it/soccer/wc_usa_ira.html

I remember that! I remember having lots of fun seeing Ex-Maltese Emigrants to America being pissed off that America lost. To me they're stupid, putting America before Malta in their behaviour.

[Zrinski]

Originally Posted by Kohler

even Zrinski will probably begin to love this "lamer" competition a little more.

Well I still think it's a lame competition, but it feels good to beat the arrogant "Amerikuns".