Team World win the first Laver Cup championship Worldwin As the American defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in a thrilling encounter, saving ...
Team World win the first Laver Cup championship Worldwin
As the American defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in a thrilling encounter, saving four match points, Frances Tiafoe led Team World to its first Laver Cup victory, depriving Roger Federer of a final trophy.
In the tournament's penultimate game at London's O2 Arena, Tiafoe put on an incredible comeback to win 1-6,7-6 (13/11), 10/8.
John McEnroe's Team World won the competition for the first time after Team Europe won the first four iterations thanks to a 13-8 final score with one match remaining.
While Federer had intended to cap off his career by winning a competition he helped to design, the Swiss legend was instead left to applaud Tiafoe and the rest of Team World.
Federer praised Team World for their "great comeback."
Even though it was occasionally emotional, I had a terrific time. I'm really grateful to you for that. I relished every second.
Federer stated that he plans to attend the Laver Cup in Canada the following year. I'll also be there, but I'll be cheering for the opposing team.
The final match of Federer's illustrious career was played on Friday when he and Rafael Nadal lost to Tiafoe and Jack Sock in the doubles.
The tournament's most memorable moment was the 20-time Grand Slam champion's heartbreaking departure, but Federer, who was forced to retire due to knee issues, lingered to support his Team Europe teammates.
Despite the fact that Team Europe's lineup included former world number one Andy Murray and Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic, it was only fitting that Team World's comeback from an 8-4 overnight deficit was led by Tiafoe and Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada.
In addition to Nadal and Murray, who are in the latter stages of their careers, Tiafoe, 24, and Auger-Aliassime, 22, are members of the generation that is supposed to take center stage now that Federer has retired
It's an incredible sensation. Our captain, Jonny Mac, had been using expletives all week because he was sick of losing. This is our year, I kept saying. We all showed up, not just me," Tiafoe added.
"It appears that I am currently playing in the crucial game. All that matters is that I get to hold the Laver Cup trophy, so I'm delighted about that.
Djokovic suffered his first loss since May at the hands of Auger-6-3, Aliassime's 7-6 (7/3) triumph.
Due to his lack of immunizations, Djokovic missed the last US Open. On Saturday, the 21-time Grand Slam victor overcame Tiafoe in straight sets to earn his first victory in two months.
One of my best performances in my career, she said. I've come close to beating these legendary winners a few times, so this win feels incredible," Auger-Aliassime said.
It was particularly impressive for Auger-Aliassime to defeat Djokovic for the first time because earlier on Sunday he and Sock had defeated Matteo Berrettini and Andy Murray in the doubles win 2-6, 6-3,
10/8.
The bravery of Auger-Aliassime prepared Tiafoe, who didn't dissapoint.
Tsitsipas sped through the opening set in only 21 minutes, but the feisty Tiafoe ended the Greek's quick start.
In the second set tie-break, Tsitsipas wasted four match points as Tiafoe calmly avoided defeat, demonstrating why he advanced to this year's US Open semifinals.
Tiafoe produced a brilliantly placed volley on his third set point to start a first to ten point "Laver Breaker."
After rushing to the net to catch the doubting Tsitsipas' drop-shot, Tiafoe turned the match in his favor with an incredible cross-court victory.
The Swiss great couldn't help but smile wryly as he savored his final taste of professional tennis before riding out into the distance. It was a magical moment that brought back memories of Federer at his best.
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