Sneaky Croatians use superquick surface to see off Brazil

It was a crazy scheme which probably worked out well when you look at the bigger picture. Croatia, acutely aware of the dangers posed to them by the Brazil Davis Cup team, decided that they were not going to face the South Americans on their favoured clay. Instead they laid down a slick hardcourt surface and let the humongous serves of Ivo Karlovic and Mario Ancic fire past hapless Brazilians all weekend.

Both Croatians won their single rubbers to earn their country a 4-1 victory in the World Group play-off. Croatia has now been fined by the International Tennis Federation and docked 2000 Davis Cup rankings points because the court was too fast and breached a court pace rating rule.

Despite the court not meeting the necessary regulations, the tie went ahead because the referee deemed it to be playable. The Brazilians were, understandably, not too happy and lodged an official complaint during the tie demanding Croatia be disqualified and forced to pay compensation.

Some what harshly, the fine and docked points are the only sanctions to be taken against Croatia which means the result of the match will stand and Croatia remain in the World Group.