Czech Republic defeated Croatia 4-1 to qualify for the Davis Cup 2009 final. The Czech team had already secured a place in the finals by taking a 3-0 lead over the first two days.

On Friday, Stepanek won a six-hour match against Ivo Karlovic in the opening singles clash. Karlovic sent down a world record 78 aces and had five match points but Stepanek still prevailed 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (2-7), 16-14.

The second singles game saw Berdych beating Cilic 6-3, 6-3, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3 for a 2-0 overnight lead.

Doubles pair Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek comfortably defeated Zovko and Marin Cilic 6-1, 6-3, 6-4, and on Sunday, Jan Hajek of the Czech Republic beat Roko Karanusic, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 before Lovro Zovko defeated Lukas Dlouhy to gave Croatia one point with a 6-3, 6-4 win.

The Czechs will face defending champion Spain in December for the country's first Davis Cup final in 29 years.

For 2005 champion Croatia, it was only the second loss in 13 home matches in the Davis Cup.

Photo: Roko Karanusic (Photonews)