Karlovic rallies to beat Blake and give Croatia 1-0 lead against US in Davis Cup quarterfinals

Croatia takes 1-0 lead over US in Davis Cup

POREC, Croatia — Ivo Karlovic has rallied from two sets down to beat James Blake 6-7 (5), 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3), 7-5 and give Croatia a 1-0 lead over the United States in their best-of-five Davis Cup quarterfinal series.

Karlovic served 47 aces on the indoor clay court on Friday for his first career five-set victory. He was 0-11 in previous matches that went to five sets.

Blake seemed to have the match under control after winning the first two sets against the towering Croat, but Karlovic fought back in front of the home crowd.

The U.S. is playing without Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick, who withdrew Monday because of a hip injury.

Croatia’s No. 1 Marin Cilic plays Mardy Fish in the second singles match later Friday.

The U.S. has never beaten Croatia in the Davis Cup, losing in 2002 and in 2005.