Croatia defeat Germany to win World Team Cup

DUESSELDORF, Germany, May 27 (Reuters) Croatia defeated Germany today to win the World Team Cup for the first time.

Ivo Karlovic, deputising for Mario Ancic who was suffering from a stiff back, defeated Alexander Waske 7-6 6-4. Ivan Ljubicic then overcame Nicolas Kiefer 6-4 6-4 to complete Croatia's claycourt victory.

Waske, who was also a last-minute replacement for Michael Kohlschreiber, was always in contention but was unable to gain the upper hand against Karlovic.

The German failed to convert two break point opportunities at 1-1 and had to fight off three break points when Karlovic led 4-3, before surrendering the tiebreak on the Croatian's sixth ace.

Waske led 3-0 after breaking in the second game of the second set before Karlovic broke back in the fifth game. A superb backhand return that landed just inside the line earned him a second and decisive break for 4-3.

Kiefer looked a little flat against Ljubicic, who played a steady match but rarely had to lift himself above the ordinary.

A break for 2-1 in each set was enough to secure victory.

Kiefer netted a backhand at 1-1 in the first set, and Ljubicic struck a crosscourt winner on his fourth break point at 1-1 in the second.

Kiefer earned just one break point in the match, and it came at a crucial stage with Ljubicic leading 4-3 in the second set.

Ljubicic saved that with a forehand volley and went on to serve out the match.

The French Open begins tomorrow in Paris.

REUTERS PG RAI2013