MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Maverick Borna Coric made sure that Croatia would not miss the Davis Cup World Group after a gutsy Round 4 play-off stand over Thomaz Belluci of Brazil, last Sunday.
Coric, who is picking up the cudgels in Marin Cilic's stead, posted a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(4) before forcing his Brazilian foe to retire after the fourth set, 4-0, according to a report by Kieran Kaal of DavisCup.com.
"I think in the first set I played the best set of my whole life," Coric said in a post-match interview. The fast-rising Croat netter was just three steps behind Belluci (30) in the world rankings.
The fourth round victory was the second blow that Coric dealt to the Brazilian side during the two country's World Group playoff tussle that ended at 3-1.
Croatia improved from its previous play-off outing that saw them log three wins against the Netherlands' two. They were eventually eliminated by Serbia in the World Group main action, five rounds to none.
Coric will be one of the athletes who will suit up for the Philippine Mavericks. Joining him are World No. 1 Serena Williams, German power hitter Sabine Lisicki, French backhand artist Richard Gasquet and World No. 9 Milos Raonic.
The Mavericks will see action against four more teams in the second season of the International Premier Tennis league slated for December. The second leg is scheduled for a stop at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
(Sources from Philstar.com and Philippinemavericks.com)