Croatia's Cilic dumps USA out of Davis Cup

Croatia, the 2005 champions, knocked the United States out of the Davis Cup yesterday with 3-2 victory in their quarter-final.

Marin Cilic took 3-1 lead beating James Blake 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 in the fourth rubber, ensuring Croatia meet the Czech Republic in the semis in September. "It was one of the best matches in my career. It's a great honour to play for your country," said World No 15 Cilic. Blake added:u00a0 "Congratulations to Cilic. Today I simply couldn't match his game."

In the last dead rubber, Bob Bryan beat Roko Karanusic 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4).

USA, who were missing injured Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick, were beaten by Croatia in Round One in 2003 and 2005 too.