Croatia's tennis selection has triumphed at the last edition of the Davis Cup in traditional format. World Ranking List Marin Cilic scored the necessary third point against Lille on 3 July to defeat France's second overall title after 2005.

Croatia lifts the historic trophy! #DavisCup #DavisCupFinal #IdemoHrvatska pic.twitter.com/bhkcmrKXg8

- Davis Cup (@ DavisCup) November 25, 2018

With a 7: 6 (7: 3), 6: 3, 6: 3 victory over Lucas Pouille, former US Open champion Cilic became a match winner after winning his first singles on Friday. In addition to Cilic, his teammate Borna Coric also contributed to his victory on the opening day against Jeremy Chardy.

France's futile hope

On Saturday, the hosts had to hope for a catch-up after the 6: 4, 6: 4, 3: 6, 7: 6 (7: 3) of Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut in the doubles against Ivan Dodig and Mate Pavic. However, the French missed their last appearance under team boss Yannick Noah, the title defense in the prestigious team competition. From the coming season, the former top player Amélie Mauresmo takes the responsibility. She becomes the first woman captain of the French Davis Cup team.

In Lille, the Davis Cup was last played in the traditional format. After a comprehensive and controversial reform, the winner will be crowned 2019 after the first round in February in a final week with 18 teams in Madrid. The German team will face Hungary on 1 and 2 February in Frankfurt am Main.