Croatia coach wants Ivanisevic in Davis Cup final team

Croatia coach Nikki Pilic wants former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic to play in the Davis Cup final if Croatia beat Russia in next month's semi-final. "Goran deserves to be in the team for the final, he was the main driving force behind our...

Croatia coach Nikki Pilic wants former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic to play in the Davis Cup final if Croatia beat Russia in next month's semi-final.

"Goran deserves to be in the team for the final, he was the main driving force behind our return to the World Group. With him, I would always have an extra option," Pilic told the Jutarnji List daily.

"Of course, before that we should somehow get those three points against the Russians."

Ivanisevic, 35, retired last year after persistent shoulder and arm injuries. He continues to play regularly in seniors' tournaments.

Croatia, led by Ivan Ljubicic and Mario Ancic, reached the Davis Cup semi-finals after beating Romania 4-1 in July. Earlier this year, they knocked out the highly-rated US team.

The semi-final against Russia takes place in Ivanisevic's hometown of Split.

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