Croatia clinched a place in the semifinals of the 2009 Davis Cup on Sunday, defeating the United States 3-2 in their Davis Cup quarterfinal.

The Croatians sealed the victory in the fourth match of the rubber, as Marin Cilic defeated James Blake 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. The final match of the rubber went to the United States, but the result had already been sealed.

Croatia’s victory earns them a spot against the Czech Republic in the Davis Cup semifinals later this year.

“It was one of the best matches in my career. It is a great honour to play for your country,” Cilic said after the match. “Blake was an excellent opponent, but I managed to play at a high level. I was attacking all the time.”

The United States suffered from the absence of Wimbledon finalist, Andy Roddick, during the Davis Cup quarterfinal. The American withdrew from the tournament at the last moment, citing a hip injury sustained during his epic Wimbledon final clash with Roger Ferderer.

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