In the 2009 Davis Cup semi-finals, the Czech Republic played Croatia.
In the first rubber, one of the longest matches in Davis Cup history took place between Ivo Karlovic and Radek Stepanek.
After five hours and 59 minutes, Stepanek won the contest, defeating Karlovic 6-7, 7-6, 7-6, 6-7, 16-14.
Karlovic was left to rue his missed chances, having squandered five match point opportunities.
In fact, it was remarkable that Karlovic did not win the contest, considering he served 78 aces.
Ivo Karlovic set a new Davis Cup record by serving 78 aces
On September 18, 2009, Ivo Karlovic made Davis Cup history.
The Croat, standing at six feet and 11 inches, served 78 aces against Stepanek, demolishing the all-time Davis Cup record.
The record had been in place for 54 years – American player Ed Kauder held the record after serving 59 aces in 1955.
The Czech Republic went on to defeat Croatia 4-1.
In the final, the Czech team were demolished 5-0 by a Spain team boasting Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer, who is now the Spanish Davis Cup captain.
What did Radek Stepanek say after the match?
Speaking to Croatian TV after the match, Stepanek described his contest against Karlovic as being ‘like a lottery.’
Give us your most ICONIC tennis quotes!
As reported by the Guardian, Stepanek said: “I have no words right now, it was like a lottery and I managed to seize my chances.
“It was a long and exhausting match but when you play for your country it’s worth it. It wouldn’t matter if it lasted for another few hours.”
The Czech Republic, despite losing to Spain in the final, would go on to win their second Davis Cup title in 2012.
Czechia repeated the feat in 2013, winning their third title.
This year, Czechia reached the quarter-final stage, where they lost 2-0 to Spain.
