Argentina, Croatia set up final clash

An emotional Leonardo Mayer led Argentina past defending champions Great Britain and into their fifth Davis Cup final on Sunday where they will face Croatia in November’s title showdown.

The 29-year-old Mayer, a late replacement for Juan Martin del Potro, secured Argentina’s place in their first final since 2011 with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win over Dan Evans in the crucial rubber of their semi-final in Glasgow for a 3-2 victory.

Croatia, the 2005 champions, sealed their ticket to the November 25-27 final on home ground after Marin Cilic romped to a 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 win over Richard Gasquet and an unassailable lead over nine-time champions France in Zadar.

Argentina have a 3-0 winning record over Croatia in the Davis Cup, winning quarter-finals in 2002, 2006 and 2012.

Mayer’s victory, his 11th in 14 Davis Cup singles rubbers, ended Britain's hopes of retaining the trophy they won for the first time in 79 years with a win over Belgium last year.

“I am very emotional,” said Mayer, whose ranking has slipped from 21 to 114 in the world.

“I haven’t been able to play because of injury so I am delighted to be back on form. I do not know what it is about the Davis Cup it brings out the best in me.”

I need a break: Murray Earlier Sunday, world number two Andy Murray had to leave the court for a medical timeout in the third set but returned to wrap up a 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 victory over Guido Pella which made it 2-2 in the semifinal.

“I have a lot of sharp pain in my right quad. I have to go and see what’s up and get some treatment,” Murray said.

“I need a break. I have played so much tennis, my body needs some rest.”

In the World Group play-offs, Switzerland made light of the absence of Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka to see off Uzbekistan.

Also guaranteeing places in the World Group for 2017 were Russia, Australia, Canada, Belgium, Germany and Japan.