PARIS, Sept. 16 -- Defending champions France and Croatia put up their head-to-head in the 2018 Davis Cup final after seeing off respective opponents 3-2 on Sunday.
France, who possessed an unassailable 3-0 lead over Spain after Saturday's doubles match, changed their roster and dispatched Richard Gasquet and Nicolas Mahut for singles matches. Both Frenchmen lost points in the best-of-three format in final day's action.
Gasquet lost to Albert Ramos-Vinolas 1-6, 6-4, 14/12, before Mahut was defeated by Marcel Granollers 6-7 (2), 6-3, 13/11.
Ten-time champions France made into the final for the second consecutive year, aiming at achieving their title defense against Croatia at home late in November.
Croatia almost wasted a 2-0 lead as they were forced into the decisive fifth rubber by the United States.
Borna Coric took over four hours to seal Croatia's victory by edging Frances Tiafoe 6-7 (0), 6-1, 6-7 (11), 6-1, 6-3.
Croatia set their target at the second title of the tournament, with their only previous winning experience in 2005.