Ljubicic the key to final outcome

Slovakia can only hope Ivan Ljubicic (picture) has finally run out of steam when their historic Davis Cup final against Croatia begins in Bratislava today.

The formidable Ljubicic has taken the small Balkan country to their first final almost single-handedly with an unblemished record in this year's competition.

Three more victories this weekend would take his tally to 12 out of 12, matching the feat of Davis Cup great John McEnroe in 1982, and hoist him up alongside Goran Ivanisevic in the affections of Croatia's public.

Ivanisevic, the former Wimbledon champion and Olympic bronze medallist, has been included in Croatia's four-man team by captain Niki Pilic, offering him the chance of an emotional sign-off to a remarkable career.

In reality, Croatia's hopes rest squarely on the broad shoulders of Ljubicic, whose form since the US Open has been nothing short of sensational. Consecutive titles in Metz and Vienna were followed by runs to the finals at the Madrid and Paris Masters. A berth at the Masters Cup in Shanghai meant he finished the year in the top 10 for the first time.

"He is a national hero, they should call it the Ljubicic Cup not the Davis Cup," said Ivanisevic, who now plays on the Seniors Tour.

Ljubicic, who launched Croatia on the road to the final with stunning wins over Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi in the first round in Los Angeles, is playing down his heroics, at least until the mission is accomplished.

"They were great wins but if we lose in the final it's going to be easy to forget them," said the 28-year-old, who fled war-torn Bosnia as a teenager to pursue his tennis career.

"I think we deserve it, we have better players, but we have to go there. It's an historic opportunity, although I'm not saying it's the only chance we're going to have," Ljubicic added.

With the 21-year-old Ancic struggling of late, the pressure will be on Ljubicic to spearhead Croatia's challenge in the Sibamac Arena on the banks of the Danube.

Slovakia's experienced former world number six Karol Kucera believes it will be a tough ask.

"It's hard to maintain this level," said Kucera. "A player is at his best for maybe one month or so out of the year. He's succeeded in everything he's touched but I just hope his best performances are behind him."

Slovakia, unseeded in the world group like Croatia, stunned holders Spain in the first round and Argentina in the semi-finals. They have enjoyed unbroken home advantage and captain Miloslav Mecir will stick to his winning formula.

Dominik Hrbaty and Karol Beck will shoulder the singles load with Beck, who has denied failing a dope test during the semi-final against Argentina earlier this year, partnering Michal Mertinak in the doubles.

Whoever wins will become the 12th nation to have their name engraved on the famous old trophy, the fifth different winner in five years and the first unseeded team to take the title.

Draw for Davis Cup final

Today's singles - Karol Beck vs Ivan Ljubicic; Dominik Hrbaty vs Mario Ancic.

Tomorrow's doubles - Beck/Michal Mertinak vs Ancic/Ljubicic,

Sunday's reverse singles - Hrbaty vs Ljubicic; Beck vs Ancic.