Karlovic serves up record 156 mph blast

Big-hitting Croat Ivo Karlovic on Saturday set a new world record with a 156 mph serve in his country's Davis Cup World Group first round tie against Germany, competition organizers said.

The previous record of 155 mph was set by American Andy Roddick in a Davis Cup semi-final in 2004.

Karlovic, making his return from Achilles surgery, hit the monster serve in the fourth set of his doubles tie, which he and teammate Ivan Dodig lost 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 to Germany's Christopher Kas and Philipp Petzschner.

Germany leads Croatia 2-1 going into Sunday's reverse singles rubbers.