Croatia have made it into the semi-finals of the Davis Cup for the sixth time in their history, by way of a hard-earnt win over tough competitors Spain.
Marin Cilic played Pablo Carreno Busta in the match that clinched the tie, eventually winning out 5-7 6-3 7-6 (5) in a three-hour and thirteen minute epic.
Cilic was just two points away from defeat at 5-6 and 0-30 down in the deciding set, but managed to dip deep and hold serve, before clinching a tense tie-break to take the match and the tie for Croatia.
It was an impressive victory, made all the more so by the fact that it was in front of a raucous Spanish crowd in Malaga. But the atmosphere was sucked out of the arena as Marin Cilic once again showed he still has fabulous tennis left in his impressive career.
In the opening tie of the match, Borna Coric had beaten Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets, meaning that Spain needed a win to force a deciding doubles tie.
But Spain, who are without both Alcaraz and Nadal, were unable to take it the wire as the experience of Cilic and big-serving Coric made all the difference.
"I was serving very, very well", said Coric. "I didn't serve this well since probably Cincinnati".
It was the first time Croatia were able to field both Coric and Cilic for a full-strength side since they won the event in 2018, and this performance has sent a big statement of intent to the remaining field.
Both Coric and Cilic have enjoyed good seasons, with the former winning his first ever Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati - the culmination of a long comeback from injury - and Cilic showing some of his best form in years to reach the last four of Roland Garros.
Croatia will now face Australia for a place in the final in what should be a highly competitive battle.
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