One foot in Davis Cup final for Croatia after Coric beats Kokkinakis

Croatia are on track for a second consecutive Davis Cup final after Borna Coric defeated Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 32 minutes in the first singles match of the semi-final.

The Australian mustered little against a dominant Coric, who was in form reminiscent of his Cincinnati triumph earlier in the year.

The Croatian built his victory on his two main strengths: his backhand, particularly effective down the line on Friday, and his serve, which might go a little under the radar but definitely helped him out, as evidenced by his ace on match point. He conceded only one break point in the match, at the beginning of the second set, when Kokkinakis was at his best – but apart from that he continued in fine style following his two-set win over Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut on Wednesday.

In the next singles match, between the nation’s two No 1-ranked players, Marin Cilic will now try to keep the momentum going and give his country a win against Alex de Minaur.

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