Croatia captain Niki Pilic believes his team's historic Davis Cup triumph will herald a golden age of tennis in the country.
The Croatians clinched the title on Sunday with a 3-2 victory over Slovakia in Bratislava after Mario Ancic overcame Michal Mertinak in the fifth and decisive rubber.
It proved to be a rollercoaster final for both teams, with Croatia twice taking the lead only to be pegged back by two outstanding singles performances from Dominik Hrbaty for the host nation.
However, Ancic's experience proved the key in the decider and Pilic, who also led Germany to three Davis Cup wins in 1988, 1989 and 1993, admitted the latest triumph was particularly special.
Pilic said: "I feel so very emotional because although I won this already three times with the Germans, to win it with the Croatian people, the people that I know very well, is so important to me.
"We had a very good atmosphere all year long and I'm really proud of my boys, the way they fight for their country and the support they give to each other.
"I am the only guy in the world to win the Davis Cup with two nations but that's not important. The most important thing is the feeling that I won it with my own people. This is an historic moment for us."
It was the first time since 1975 the cup was contested by two first-time finalists, and although it was not the most glamorous of ties, both Slovakia and Croatia exceeded all expectations in this year's competition.
The Slovaks overcame defending champions Spain in the first round with victory over Argentina in the semi-finals sealing their place in the last two.
Croatia, meanwhile, ousted the likes of the United States and Russia on their way to the final and Pilic believes it was a plus for tennis to see two minnows battling for the trophy.
He continued: "I'm very glad it happened. Just because some nations are big it doesn't mean they are better than we are. They (Slovakia) beat Argentina, we beat America in America. And to beat Russia in the semi-finals, the best team in the world - we both deserved to be in the final."
The Davis Cup win is the latest in a number of sporting achievements for Croatia this year, with the nation's football team booking their place in next year's World Cup finals, while the basketball side finished seventh in the 2005 EuroBasket.
But Pilic insists there is no winning formula other than simple hard work.
He insisted: "Our nation just seems to be talented with the ball. It doesn't matter whether it's basketball or soccer or tennis. It's not something we eat or drink, I just think our people have a really great will to win. They are very tough."
And, according to Pilic, that battling spirit will ensure Croatia can enjoy many more years of success on the courts.
He added: "I think in the next five years there will certainly be a lot of young kids in Croatia that are going to play tennis.
"Knowing that our team are world champions, Davis Cup champions, will be a boost for tennis and for all sport in Croatia. It will be wonderful."
