Ljubicic key to Davis Cup final

Slovakia can only hope Ivan Ljubicic has finally run out of steam when their historic Davis Cup final against Croatia begins in Bratislava on Friday.

The formidable Ljubicic has taken the small Balkan country to their first final almost single-handed with an unblemished record in this year's competition.

Three more victories this weekend would take his tally to 12 out of 12, matching the feat of Davis Cup great John McEnroe in 1982, and hoist him up alongside Goran Ivanisevic in the affections of Croatia's public.

Ivanisevic, the former Wimbledon champion and Olympic bronze medallist, has been included in Croatia's four-man team by captain Niki Pilic, offering him the chance of an emotional sign-off to a remarkable career.

The 34-year-old's inspirational qualities are more likely to be used as a courtside cheerleader, although he insists he is ready to play if called upon.

In reality, Croatia's hopes rest squarely on the broad shoulders of Ljubicic, whose form since the U.S. Open has been nothing short of sensational.

Consecutive titles in Metz and Vienna were followed by runs to the finals at the Madrid and Paris Masters. A berth at the Masters Cup in Shanghai meant he finished a gruelling year in the top 10 for the first time.

"He is a national hero, they should call it the Ljubicic Cup not the Davis Cup," said Ivanisevic, who last featured in a Davis Cup tie in 2003 and now plays on the Seniors Tour.

Ljubicic, who launched Croatia on the road to the final with stunning wins over Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi in the first round in Los Angeles, is playing down his heroics, at least until the mission is accomplished.

"They were great wins but if we lose in the final it's going to be easy to forget them," said the 28-year-old, who fled war-torn Bosnia as a teenager to pursue his tennis career.

"I'm not thinking about (McEnroe's) record. I just want to win the Davis Cup even if Mario (Ancic) wins both singles and I lose both and we win the doubles.

HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY

"I think we deserve it, we have better players, but we have to go there. It's an historic opportunity for us, although I'm not saying it's the only chance we're going to have."

With the 21-year-old Ancic struggling of late, the pressure will be on Ljubicic to spearhead Croatia's challenge in the Sibamac Arena on the banks of the Danube.

Slovakia's experienced former world number six Karol Kucera believes it will be a tough ask.

"It's hard to maintain this level," said Kucera, who could play a part in Saturday's doubles. "A player is at his best for maybe one month or so out of the year.

"He's succeeded in everything he's touched but I just hope his best performances are behind him."

Slovakia, unseeded in the world group like Croatia, stunned holders Spain in the first round and Argentina in the semi-finals. They have enjoyed unbroken home advantage and captain Miloslav Mecir will stick to his winning formula.

Dominik Hrbaty and Karol Beck will shoulder the singles load with Beck, provided a nagging knee injury does not flare up, expected to partner Michal Mertinak in the doubles.

The 27-year-old Hrbaty, ranked 19th in the world, has not won a title this year, although his form in the Davis Cup has been impressive, with just one defeat in five singles rubbers.

He also won a Challenger title in Bratislava earlier this month, and Kucera believes Hrbaty can lead his country to glory despite a 0-5 career record against Ljubicic.

"I believe Dominik, in front of the home fans, will push himself to great heights," said Kucera, who is expected to announce his retirement after the final.

Mecir knows his side will start as underdogs, although he believes rankings will have little bearing on the final outcome.

"Of course, the support is much stronger and I hope that people will push our players to their best form," said the 1986 U.S. Open runner-up.

"All the players are preparing very responsibly and I would say that their shape and form is definitely rising."

Whoever wins will become the 12th nation to have their name engraved on the famous old trophy, the fifth different winner in five years and the first unseeded team to take the title.