Cilic stays in control as Croatia wins Davis Cup

LILLE, France — After an agonizing defeat in Croatia's previous Davis Cup final, there was no letdown for Marin Cilic this time.

Cilic was two sets up against Juan Martin del Potro two years ago in Zagreb, with Croatia leading Argentina 2-1 on the final day, when his game collapsed as the South Americans fought back and ultimately won the final.

This weekend in northern France, Cilic did not give even a glimmer of hope to his French opponents that they could stage a comeback of their own.

On the indoor clay court set up inside the Lille soccer stadium and in front of a hostile crowd, the former US Open champion was ruthless and composed. His clinical display on Sunday secured a 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-3 win over Lucas Pouille to give Croatia a 3-1 victory over defending champion France in the best-of-five series. Both teams agreed not to play the final rubber.

Cilic said his loss to Del Potro hadn't been a distraction but he was relieved to finally add the Davis Cup trophy to his list of trophies.

"I was always sleeping well, so no problem, but I'm happy that I played so well this weekend," the 30-year-old Cilic said.

While Argentina was able to fight back, the French didn't have the weapons required. The hosts won the doubles but were thrashed in straight sets in the three singles matches played against Cilic and Borna Coric.