BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Marin Cilic defeated David Nalbandian in a 5-hour marathon to give Croatia a 1-0 lead over Argentina Friday in their Davis Cup quarterfinal.
Cilic won the error-filled match 5-7, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-3. That' puts pressure on Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro, who will face Ivo Karlovic in the second singles Friday. Doubles are set for Saturday with reverse singles on Sunday.
Argentina was the favorite playing at home on outdoor red clay. The South Americans have yet to win the Davis Cup and have been the losing finalist four times, including last year against Spain. Croatia won the Davis Cup in 2005.
Argentina and Croatia have met twice in Davis Cup quarterfinals, and the South Americans have won both.
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