体坛英语新闻：France to face Croatia in Davis Cup final

PARIS, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- 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.