Nikola Mektić and Mate Pavić won the decisive doubles rubber for Croatia ©Getty Images

Croatia are through to the Davis Cup final thanks to the world's top-ranked doubles pairing, Nikola Mektić and Mate Pavić, who helped the nation beat neighbours Croatia.

The duo are yet to lose a set in the Davis Cup Finals, and their fourth win on the spin gave Croatia a 2-1 victory in Madrid and the first place in the final.

Borna Gojo came from a set down to win the opening rubber for Croatia and get the team on their way.

Gojo won 77 per cent of points on his first serve in a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory against Dušan Lajović.

Novak Djokovic then brought Serbia level with a dominant win against Marin Čilić.

Novak Djokovic could not prevent Serbia's elimination ©Getty Images
Novak Djokovic could not prevent Serbia's elimination ©Getty Images

Both players had eight break points, but whereas Čilić could not convert a single one, the world number one broke Čilić thrice en route to a 6-4, 6-2 triumph.

Djovovic's victory meant that doubles was required and he teamed up with Filip Krajinović.

But Mektić and Pavić - the reigning Wimbledon and Association of Tennis Professionals Finals champions - won 7-5, 6-1.

Germany and a Russian Tennis Federation team will contest the second semi-final tomorrow.

Croatia have won the Davis Cup twice before, in 2018 and 2005.