Ivan Ljubicic's remarkable run of Davis Cup victories for Croatia came to an end on Sunday but, in the end, it did not matter.
The world number nine was beaten in five brutal sets by an inspired Dominik Hrbaty as Slovakia levelled an enthralling final 2-2, scuppering his hopes of matching John McEnroe's feat of 12 out of 12 victories for the United States in 1982.
However, the 26-year-old's win streak of 11, all in live rubbers, was the main reason why Croatia became the 12th nation to etch its name on the famous old trophy.
"I'm the happiest loser in the world today," said Ljubicic, who was a doubt for Sunday's reverse singles after waking up with a stiff neck.
"I would like to thank Mario (Ancic) for bringing the winning point. It was a great effort, it's a fantastic win."
Ancic held his nerve to beat Michal Mertinak 7-6 6-3 6-4 and clinch a famous 3-2 victory, sparking wild celebrations from the travelling Croats in the Sibamac Arena.
"When I lost, I really never doubted that Mario would win against Mertinak," added Ljubicic.
Ancic won every doubles rubber in Croatia's march to their first title with Ljubicic, but his record in singles was a cause for some concern.
He lost to Hrbaty on Friday, and admitted he was nervous against Mertinak, a player ranked a lowly 165 in the world.
"I cannot say I was ice-cool," said the 21-year-old, who reached the Wimbledon semi-final in 2004. "It was a very nervous start, I had a lot of break points which I didn't take.
"But I stepped it up in the tiebreak and from then on I was in control. It's tough to play unbelievable in these situations, but I think it was a great effort to win."
Croatia captain Niki Pilic has now won the trophy four times, three of those titles coming with Germany. However, as a proud Croat, he said this was the best.
"I'm the only guy to win with two nations," he said. "But that is not important. The important things is we won this for my own people. It's an historic moment."
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