Mighty Ljubicic puts Croatia in Davis Cup final
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-09-26 09:10

SPLIT, Croatia, Sept 25 (Reuters) - Ivan Ljubicic pummelled Russia's Nikolay Davydenko 6-3 7-6 6-4 on Sunday to send Croatia into their first Davis Cup final.

The 26-year-old sparked wild celebrations in the packed Gripe Sports Hall after completing a hat-trick of victories in the semi-final to give the hosts a winning 3-1 lead.

"I always thought my Olympic bronze medal was the highlight of my career," said Ljubicic, who achieved that feat last year in the doubles with Mario Ancic in Athens.

"But this is even better. I don't care who we play in the final because we're there."

Croatia captain Niki Pilic can now look forward to a fourth final against Slovakia, after steering Germany to three Davis Cup crowns.

Slovakia finished off Argentina in Bratislava on Sunday to reach their first final.

"Ljubicic has shown this weekend that he is world class," said Pilic, after dancing around court with former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic and the rest of the team.

"I am very proud, Croatia is a small country with just four million people but we have a great team and great supporters."

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