Russia Wraps Up Third Davis Cup Title, Sweeps Croatia Behind Medvedev, Rublev

Russia collected its third Davis Cup title on Sunday sweeping past Croatia 2-0 in Madrid.

Russia dominated with straight set singles wins by Andrey Rublev and then Daniil Medvedev to clinch the win and avoid meeting the No. 1 doubles team of Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic.

Rublev fought off the nerves and downed Borna Gojo 6-4, 7-6(5). The Russian had to fight to avoid set points late in the second at 4-5 in the breaker, and pulled it out over the underdog Gojo. Rublev never faced a break point in the match.

Medvedev wrapped things up defeating fellow US Open champion Marin Cilic 7-6(7), 6-2. After both players failed to convert earlier break points, it was Medvedev who overcame an early deficit and held on to the 9-7 breaker win. And then the World No. 2 rolled in the second.

“It was a tough match all day long,” said Medvedev. “The tiebreak is a matter of a few points. I made a double fault on the set point that was probably a big mistake, but I’m happy that today it was enough to win. It was a really tough match.”

Russia ends with their third Davis Cup title — first since 2006 — to go along with an ATP Cup title earlier this year. They also won the women’s BJK Cup a month ago.

“It feels amazing”, Medvedev said. “But I’m more happy for the team than for myself. We have an amazing team, amazing atmosphere. I’m happy to be part of it and bring the points we need. It’s never easy to come here at the end of the season but they were some of the best weeks of my career.”

Croatia never broke serve on the day missing their only break point during the Medvedev loss.

“We are just sorry we couldn’t get one point to get the doubles guys in the court,” said Cilic.