Croatia on brink of second Davis Cup title

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Borna Coric and Marin Cilic powered Croatia to the brink of their second Davis Cup title with a 2-0 lead against reigning champions France at the opening day of the final in the French city of Lille on Friday.

Coric gave Croatia a flying start with a 6-2 7-5 6-4 win over Jeremy Chardy and the 33-year-old Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, out for most of the season after knee surgery, was then pummeled 6-3 7-5 6-4 by world number seven Cilic.

Croatian President Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic celebrates as her country goes 1-0 ahead during Day 1 of the Davis Cup Final in Lille, France, November 23, 2018. /VCG Photo

"I didn't lose my serve in the match and I played outstanding tennis throughout," said Cilic, adding that "I am able to play all three days. I often play all three days in Davis Cup. We will see with the captain (Zeljko Krajan)."

"I'm especially proud of my players' mentality," said skipper Krajan.

"The way they handled the matches and the pressure of the crowd, they were very focused, very motivated."

France are missing their top three singles players, Richard Gasquet, Gael Monfils and Gilles Simon.

French captain Yannick Noah stirred controversy when he picked Chardy, ranked 40, for the opening singles ahead of the higher-ranked Lucas Pouille, who had clinched the victory in the 2017 finals.

Team France during 2018 Davis Cup, Lille, France /VCG Photo

Croatia need to win one of the three remaining rubbers to claim a repeat of their 2005 Davis Cup triumph while French hopes of extending the contest to Sunday now rest with doubles pair Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert, who will take on Ivan Dodig and Mate Pavic.

However, historic records are against the hosts, as no team has recovered from a 2-0 deficit to triumph in the final since 1939.

(With inputs from agencies)