Ivanisevic happy to play supporting role

Croatian great Goran Ivanisevic hopes his country's Davis Cup team can spark similar scenes to those that greeted his Wimbledon triumph.

Ivanisevic, who brought Split to a standstill on his return after winning the grand slam in 2001, is assistant coach to Niki Pilic for the semi-final with Russia starting today.

The record Davis Cup appearance holder for his country, Ivanisevic, a proud Croat, will have to sit and watch from the sidelines this time as Mario Ancic and Ivan Ljubicic take centre stage.

Victory would put Croatia into the Davis Cup final for the first time.

"Of course, I really wish I was out there playing," Ivanisevic, who was forced to end his career because of a shoulder injury, told Reuters.

"But I'm pleased I'm with the team and able to help the players. They have a very good chance of reaching the final.

"They have the chance to create an historical sporting moment for this country. If we won the Davis Cup it would be like the football team winning the World Cup.

"Whenever I played tennis I was always playing for Croatia, not only myself, although Davis Cup is extra special."

Ancic help

Ivanisevic, who holds the record for appearances and victories for Croatia, could play a crucial role over the three-day tie, particularly in helping calm the nerves of 21-year-old Ancic, a player he nurtured as a junior.

"It's great that he's with us for the semi-final after missing the last two matches," said Ancic, after knocking up with the four-time Wimbledon finalist who now plays on the Seniors Tour.

In the other Davis Cup semi-final, Slovakia play Argentina in Bratislava.