Croatia vs Netherlands Preview & Prediction | 2023 Davis Cup Finals | Group Stage
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THE FACTS
When is Croatia vs Netherlands on and what time does it start? Croatia vs Netherlands will take place on Sunday 17th September, 2023 – not before 12:00 (UK)
Where is Croatia vs Netherlands taking place? Croatia vs Netherlands will take place at Arena Gripe, Sports Centre in Spilt, Croatia
What surface is Croatia vs Netherlands being played on? Croatia vs Netherlands will take place on an indoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Croatia vs Netherlands? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Croatia vs Netherlands
Where can I watch Croatia vs Netherlands? All matches can be watched on Tennis Channel International’s Pay TV, while all Great Britain matches will be televised and streamed on BBC platforms
THE PREDICTION
Hosts Croatia are bottom of Group D after losing both of their ties 1-2 but they still fare a decent chance at edging through against leaders Netherlands, who have won their two ties 2-1. 18-year-old Dino Prizmic took a set from in-form Otto Virtanen on Friday to build on a comfortable defeat to Mackenzie McDonald in their first tie but the hosts are clearly missing the likes of Marin Cilic and Borna Coric this week, with Borna Gojo much more effective as a valiant second option. 25-year-old Gojo still found time to stun world number 11 Frances Tiafoe this week, continuing an inordinately strong Davis Cup career, but a straight-sets defeat to Emil Ruusuvuori on Friday saw a surprise loss to Group D minnows Finland. Ivan Dodig and Mate Pavic are one of the best doubles duos in the group stages but their tight three-set defeat to the USA on Tuesday may well be the deciding factor of the entire week in the tightest group in the tournament.
The Netherlands have once again proven themselves greater than the sum of their parts at the Davis Cup, with world number 24 Tallon Griekspoor particularly impressing. The 27-year-old brought a career-high ATP world ranking to Split and he has so far proven himself every bit of it with a three-set victory over world number 11 Frances Tiafoe on Thursday. Botic van de Zandschulp put some recent poor form behind him to stun world number 14 Tommy Paul in their opener on Thursday and that saw the tie over 2-0 before the very strong Dutch pair of Wesley Koolhof and Matwe Middelkoop just missed out to the best duo in the tournament in the US’ Krajicek and Ram.
This should be a thrilling clash on Sunday with the Netherlands still desperate for wins to progress as one of the USA and Finland will be top, however briefly, of Group D by the end of Saturday. Botic van de Zandschulp’s huge result over Tommy Paul on Friday looks set to boost the former top 30 player’s resolve against Dino Prizmic in the opening clash and that likely win should knock the stuffing out of Croatia, who need all three wins to have any chance of progressing. In-form Tallon Griekspoor should have more than enough to oust Borna Gojo but both players come into this first tour-level meeting at career-high rankings of 24th and 77th, respectively, and Split should empower Gojo into giving his all on court. A live doubles decider would be a thriller between two seasoned duos, two of the only full-time pairs of doubles players in the tournament, but it is likely that the Netherlands will be 2-0 up by then. Back the Dutch to win the tie.
