Serbia overcame the absence of Novak Djokovic to clinch a 4-1 triumph over Sweden in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup.
Tipsarevic books semi-final showdown against Argentina
Serbia overcame the absence of Novak Djokovic to clinch a 4-1 triumph over Sweden in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup.
Wimbledon champion Djokovic had missed the opening round of singles matches on Friday but returned to action in Saturday's doubles, losing alongside Nenad Zimonjic to Simon Aspelin and Robert Lindstedt.
The world number one opted not to play again on Sunday, leaving stand-in Janko Tipsarevic to secure the point Serbia needed to progress.
Having beaten Ervin Eleskovic on the opening day, Tipsarevic got the better of Michael Ryderstedt 6-2 7-5 6-3 in Halmstad.
"It feels really good. I know that Serbia was a huge favourite with Robin (Soderling) not here and with Novak," said Tipsarevic.
With the tie already over, Lindstedt pulled out of the fifth and final rubber when level at one set apiece with Viktor Troicki.
Reward
Serbia's reward for their victory is a showdown with Argentina, who thrashed Kazakhstan 5-0 to reach the last four for the seventh time in the last 10 years.
Meanwhile, France completed a 4-1 victory over Germany as the two nations split the final two singles matches.
Philipp Petzschner saw off Michael Llodra 6-3 6-4 for his team's only point before Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5).
France will play the Spain after they eventually overcame the United States for a place in this year's final.
The Spaniards had gone into the final day just needing one win to complete the victory - but Mardy Fish ensured it wasn't all plain sailing.
David Ferrer, though, held his nerve to topple Fish 7-5 7-6 (7-3) 5-7 7-6 (7-5) in an epic encounter - with Spain becoming the first country to beat America on home soil in six years.
