Davis Cup: Cilic to open against Mayer

Davis Cup: Cilic to open against Mayer

Marin Cilic will face Germany’s Florian Mayer in the opening singles Friday in their first-round Davis Cup series.

The draw Thursday also pitted Croatia Open champion Ivan Dodig against Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Cilic is recovering from a cold but said he is ready to face Mayer, who defeated him last year at Wimbledon and again in the Zagreb Open quarterfinals this year.

“I did lose to Mayer twice so far, but during our last encounter in Zagreb I have noticed some weak spots and I think we will find the right tactics,” Cilic said.

Mayer also said that “this match will be different.”

“Marin did not play his best tennis a month ago, he will have much more motivation this time,” Mayer said.

Doubles are scheduled for Saturday, while reverse singles are on Sunday.

The 2005 Davis Cup winner Croatia and three-time champion Germany meet for a fourth time in the World Group first round. In their three previous meetings, the home team has always won.

Germany leads the series 2-1.

Croatia’s coach Goran Prpic predicted that this time “details will decide.”