The hosts entered Sunday looking to become the first country since 1939 to overturn a 2-0 deficit in the final, having lost both matches on the opening day, but Cilic gave them no chance.
France had given themselves a lifeline at 2-1 after Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert’s victory in Saturday’s doubles but Cilic snuffed out any hopes of a comeback with a 7-6 6-3 6-3 win to give his side an unassailable 3-1 lead.
“It’s not every day that you become a world champion,” said the 30-year-old in his post-match interview after guiding his country to their first Davis Cup triumph since 2005.
“For us it’s a dream come true, for this nation. You can see the fans are so passionate and they are here enjoying themselves. In Croatia it’s going to be incredible too.” Read more