ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Croatia advanced to the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup Finals on Wednesday, but only after losing the opening singles match against Italy and trailing 2-1 overall heading into the decisive doubles.Borna Gojo pulled out a 7-6 (3), 2-6, 7-6 (5) victory over Lorenzo Musetti in the first match, but Jannik Sinner then beat Borna Coric 7-6 (4), 6-3 to level the best-of-three series.In the decisive doubles, Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic saved a match point in the second set to beat Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (2).The Croatians will next face either the United States or the Netherlands on Friday, while Italy will play either Spain or Canada.In the other Group A match, the United States beat the Netherlands 4-0. Taylor Fritz defeated Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4 and Tommy Paul beat Tallon Griekspoor 6-1, 6-4 in the singles matches, before Rajeev Ram and Jack Sock clinched the tie with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Wesley Koolhof and Matwe Middelkoop in the doubles.The Americans will next face Spain on Thursday, while the Netherlands will play Canada.In Group B, Italy defeated Argentina 3-0 and Croatia beat Sweden 3-0. In Group C, France beat Germany 3-0 and Australia beat Belgium 3-1. In Group D, Canada defeated Serbia 3-0 and Spain beat South Korea 3-0.The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, which will be held on Friday and Saturday. The semifinals will be held on Saturday and Sunday, and the final will be held on Sunday.The Davis Cup Finals is the premier international team event in men’s tennis. It is held annually and features 16 teams competing for the title. The tournament was founded in 1900 and is the second-oldest international team competition after the Fed Cup (now known as the Billie Jean King Cup)..
Croatia Advances, but Trailing Italy After Initial Round at Davis Cup Finals
