The Czech Republic reached its first Davis Cup final in 29 years after securing an insurmountable 3-0 lead over Croatia by winning the doubles yesterday in Porec, Croatia.
Radek Stepanek and Tomas Berdych defeated Marin Cilic and Lovro Zovko 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 to decide the best-of-five series.
"It's unbelievable," Stepanek said. "We didn't think we would cruise to a 3-0 lead against the powerful Croats."
On Friday, Stepanek withstood a record 78 aces and saved four match points against Ivo Karlovic in the longest Davis Cup singles in 20 years. Stepanek won 6-7 (5), 7-6 (5), 7-6 (6), 6-7 (2), 16-14 in 5 hours, 59 minutes.
The Czech Republic will take on defending champion Spain in the final in December. Spain won its doubles match against Israel in Torre Pacheco, Spain, for a 3-0 lead.
The Czechs stayed with the players who won the singles on Friday, and Croatia picked its top player Cilic for the match in an attempt to stay in the series. Stepanek converted the fourth match point with a smash, triggering wild celebrations by the thousands of Czech fans who outnumbered the Croat supporters at the Zatika hall.
It will be the Czechs' first final since their only Davis Cup triumph in 1980, led by Ivan Lendl. This is only the second loss for 2005 champion Croatia in 13 home matches in the Davis Cup.
Feliciano Lopez and Tommy Robredo beat Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram 7-6 (6), 6-7 (7), 6-4, 6-2 to give Spain its win against Israel.
"To be in the finals two years running is incredible," Robredo said.
With injured Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco cheering them on, Lopez and Robredo won in front of a large crowd at the Torre Pacheco tennis club.
Israel reached the semifinals in March after an emotional victory over Sweden, when Malmo officials didn't allow spectators against a backdrop of anti-Israel protests.
Last year, Spain defeated Argentina to win the Davis Cup title.
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