IN November, the 2021 Davis Cup takes place across three cities in Europe as 18 teams aim to lift the ultimate international men’s team prize. Six groups of three sees the group winner automatically advancing to the knockout quarter finals, with the two next best nations also moving through. In the lead-up to the event, Rookie Me Central will be previewing each of the nations in reverse world ranking order.

CROATIA

Rank: 2nd

Captain: Vedran Martic

World number twos Croatia might seem like a surprising nation to have that high given they do not have a Top 20 player, but the 2018 winners against the the reigning champions France, is why the European nation is ranked so highly. They also went the full distance against Argentina at home in 2016, whilst their first ever triumph was back in 2005. Fast forward to 2021, and you can still see why Croatia might be a danger to anyone. Playing in Italy to start with before moving to Spain, the obvious threat is the world numbers one doubles pairing in Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic. Put simply, if matches were won on paper, the Croatians are a point away from winning each tie thanks to their dominance. They can rely on bringing them in each Davis Cup and not needing to find a combination that works, knowing there is none better in the world.

The Croatian singles is a little trickier, with only the two Top 100 players. The fact 33-year-old Marin Cilic is still the top choice is a little concerning that no one has come on, though Cilic won his 20th ATP Tour career title recently and has seemingly found some nice form at the business end of the season. The world number 28 is joined by world number 70 Borna Coric, though after that it gets a little thin. Coric has had injury concerns and only played the 17 tournaments, the lowest of any Croatian in the Top 900. Choosing a third player was difficult for captain Vedran Martic, but he opted for youth, with 23-year-old Borna Gojo the effective alternative if Cilic needs a break. Ranked 282nd in the world, realistically if played, would be a huge underdog.

From a group perspective, Croatia could still seemingly have a chance to advance, though drawing Australia is a little tricky. The Aussies are without Nick Kyrgios and their most in-form player James Duckworth, but the likes of Alex de Minaur and John Millman seem to find another level in the green and gold. That being said, Coric is better than his 70th ranking, and if fit would be a good chance to win the second singles. All Croatia needs is one singles win, as they have the top doubles combination. Hungary should not be a concern, and if the Europeans can win, Croatia would likely face Italy in the next stage, which would be a blockbuster match.

Prediction: 1st in Group D

IN A SENTENCE: “Croatia would be marginal favourites to advance through Group D, though the clash with Australia up first will give them the best idea if they are to go deep in the 2021 tournament.”

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