Croatia take on Germany in an intriguing first round clash in the Davis Cup this weekend.
Home advantage has proved decisive in previous clashes between these two countries andCroatia will be hoping that proves the case again this weekend on a fast indoor court in Zagreb. Croatia had a reasonably successful Davis Cup campaign last year, reaching the quarter-finals before losing emphatically 4-1 to eventual champions Serbia. Germany regained their World Group place with a 5-0 thrashing of South Africa in September's play-offs.
Cilic has returned to form over the past month, reaching the Marseille final and as a former two time Zagreb champion, Croatian fans will be hoping he can score two crucial singles wins. With Ivo Karlovic in decline, Ivan Dodig will be Croatia's number two and the big serving 25 year old could prove to be a dark horse after surprising everyone by winning the Zagreb title at the end of January.
Germany's hopes will rest largely on the shoulders of their number one Philipp Kohlschreiber. Kohlschreiber has produced some of his best performances in the competition before, notably scoring two singles wins against Spain on clay two years ago. However his form in 2011 has been average and he suffered a loss in Dubai to compatriot Philipp Petzschner.
Petzschner is always a threat on fast indoor courts and Germany will have a tough choice between him and Florian Mayer who has also enjoyed some impressive early season results.
Look for home advantage to see Croatia to a fairly close 3-2 win.
