Davis Cup 2016 Final

Last big tournament of 2016 starts Friday. Draw/OOP as follows:

Friday
13:00 GMT: Marin Cilic (Cro) v Federico Delbonis (Arg)
To follow: Ivo Karlovic (Cro) v Juan Martin del Potro (Arg)

Saturday
14:00 GMT: Ivan Dodig & Franko Skugor (Cro) v Leonardo Mayer & Guido Pella (Arg)

Sunday
13:00 GMT: Marin Cilic (Cro) v Juan Martin del Potro (Arg)
To follow: Ivo Karlovic (Cro) v Federico Delbonis (Cro)

Can Del Potro finally lead his country to a Davis Cup victory? Well, probably not - Cilic should be favoured in his 2 matches, Karlovic in reverse singles if it come down to that, and assuming Cilic/Dodig play the doubles, Croatia are favourite for that too. Surface is indoor hard, but I've not seen anything about the court speed - but assume that Croatia have gone with a very fast surface to help their big servers and reduce Del Potro's time to run round to his forehand as much as possible.

I'll predict 3-1 Croatia. What do you think?

Quite similar to the GB vs Argentina match: Croatia are clear favourites in two matches (doubles and Cilic's first match) while the other three are more open, but think Karlovic is a better back-up than Edmund/Evans, so I think Croatia will sneak home, 3-1 or 3-2. For Argentina, absolutely crucial that Del Potro beats Karlovic (not that easy), assuming Cilic beats Delbonis. Assume it's being played on quite a quick HC?

Croatia in strong position in the doubles, currently a set and break up. To be honest I'm not sure of the merit of the Argentinians putting Del Potro in the doubles - he's not renowned as a doubles specialist and surely better to rest him for the singles - presumably he's up against Cilic, which to me looks a real 50:50 match.

With Croatia leading 2-1, they should be favourite with both singles players today higher ranked than their opponents. However, I just have a feeling this is going Argentina's way. 

Del Potro leads the h2h with Cilic 8-2 and won their last 5 without dropping a set. Whilst those matches date back to 2013, DP's high percentage tennis is ideal to suffocate the better to watch but less stable Cilic. I think he will win in 4.

That will pile pressure on Karlovic in the decider and, much as I hope the big man can do it, I suspect he will fold under the expectation. He isn't strong in pressure situations and this will be his biggest ever match - aged nearly 38. 

I'm picking Argentina to win.

Cilic v delpo is a tough one to call. Could be a very long match. JMDP will fight to the end but I think Cilic, with home support (mind you, the Argentinians seem to be in good voice, too) will edge it.

After a terrific five-setter, delpo beats Cilic to level the tie at 2-2. The Croat was two sets to love up, too. Nearly five hours.

Both played amazing tennis but Delpo was mentally tougher. Cilic always suffers mental lapses in his five sets matches, he has to solve this issue if not he'll have tough times at the slams.

What can you say about Delpo? Gave Murray a terrific match in the Olympic final, beat him in the DC semi and now comes from two sets down in the final.
It's proof, if needed, that the Argentinian can be a big threat in the majors in 2017. The top players will be hoping he quickly gets seeded so they don't have to meet him early on.
The momentum in this DC final is all with Argentina now. I can see them winning it (although I did tip Cilic to win his match today!)

sirfredperry wrote:What can you say about Delpo? Gave Murray a terrific match in the Olympic final, beat him in the DC semi and now comes from two sets down in the final.
It's proof, if needed, that the Argentinian can be a big threat in the majors in 2017. The top players will be hoping he quickly gets seeded so they don't have to meet him early on.
 

I agree. If Murray is to miss out in the slams I don't think any other winner than Del Potro would give me greater pleasure. He has suffered untold hardships with injury and bounced back and he now strikes me as being back in the running (big time) for slam wins.

Argentina win! Delbo in straight sets.

sirfredperry wrote:Argentina win! Delbo in straight sets.

Never expected a straight sets win for him against big serving Karlovic. Pleased for Juan Martin Del Potro and co.

CaledonianCraig wrote:

sirfredperry wrote:What can you say about Delpo? Gave Murray a terrific match in the Olympic final, beat him in the DC semi and now comes from two sets down in the final.
It's proof, if needed, that the Argentinian can be a big threat in the majors in 2017. The top players will be hoping he quickly gets seeded so they don't have to meet him early on.
 

I agree. If Murray is to miss out in the slams I don't think any other winner than Del Potro would give me greater pleasure. He has suffered untold hardships with injury and bounced back and he now strikes me as being back in the running (big time) for slam wins.

Aye - Del boy is one of the good guys. Totally committed on Court, but a man who wins well and loses with grace. He's been in some absolutely great matches in his career and is an adornment of the tour. This obviously means the world to him and I am chuffed for him. Would be great to see him pick up another slam.

Really happy to see the giant from Argentina revive his career. Could still go on to win more big titles

Like everyone, really pleased for Del Po. Think he'll be a big danger next season.

Well done to Argentina and especially Del Potro. Hope he can stay fit next year. He deserves it.

Great comeback by Delpo. Great cup triumph for Argentina

Yep pleased for Delpo...stay fit for 2017 because it's a good time to be a top pro with most of the Big4 at questionable status.

Great win for Argentina I think their first ever after so many finals losses. Tremendous effort from Del Potro to beat Cilic, Karlovic and especially Murray. Good team effort with Mayer and Delbonis and Pella completing a lot of the wins in earlier rounds as well.

Argentina also played every match away from home. With Del Potro's comeback from injury and comeback from losing positions in matches, and it being Argentina's first win, this is possibly the story of the year!

OK, maybe exaggerating slightly, Djokovic holding all four slams (non-calendar grand slam) and career slam and breaking the rankings points record is probably story of the year, followed by Murray at no 1, followed by this.

And never mind about next year or winning a slam, just winning this is a great achievement.