There was no profitable send-off for Roger Federer as Workforce World fought again on the ultimate day to develop into the Laver Cup champions for 2022.
The Europeans headed into Sunday with an 8-4 lead after Djokovic dominated Saturday’s proceedings, however because of the progressive scoring system, John McEnroe’s staff instantly hit again.
The day’s first match noticed Sock and Auger-Aliassime edge Murray and Berrettini within the doubles 2-6, 6-3, 10-8 earlier than the Canadian was briskly again on the courtroom for the singles the place he took out a sluggish Djokovic 6-3, 7-6(3), who seemed to be hampered by a wrist drawback.
That put Workforce World right into a 10-8 lead and simply two factors shy of victory, which meant Tsitsipas wanted to defeat Frances Tiafoe to power a deciding match between Casper Ruud and Taylor Fritz.
That showdown appeared on the playing cards because the Greek flew out of the blocks to take the opening set 6-1, utilizing his serve and forehand to dominate.
Nonetheless, Tiafoe grew into the match and compelled Tsitsipas to hit extra photographs on his weaker backhand wing.
Because the scoreboard acquired tighter, so did the Athenian, who didn’t fairly have the conviction on his groundstrokes from the primary set.
That allowed Tiafoe to make use of his footspeed to trace down extra balls, saving 4 match factors within the second set tie break and developing with some clutch defence within the Champions tie break to document a 1-6, 7-6(11), 10-8 victory.
Going into the match, I felt assured the situations suited Tsitsipas, who might hit by the courtroom with this forehand, however his backhand acquired uncovered. Tiafoe isn’t as dynamic a participant, however his backhand is extra easy, and he makes fewer errors off that wing which made the distinction.
It’s an unbelievable feeling. Our captain Jonny Mac was bored with dropping…saying we would have liked to get it completed this yr on his fifth strive. All week main up I stored saying this was our yr. The blokes confirmed up. Felix beat Novak, Jack and Felix additionally performed unbelievable doubles. All of us did it collectively, it wasn’t simply me. I confirmed numerous coronary heart to get this completed. That is huge. We’re going to rejoice huge tonight. Frances Tiafoe throughout his on courtroom interview
So a disappointing finish to the weekend from the European perspective, however Workforce World have been due a win in some unspecified time in the future, and it does make the occasion extra attention-grabbing once they attempt to hold the trophy on dwelling soil subsequent yr when the event is held in Vancouver.
The Laver Cup Entertains
Apart from the consequence and Federer’s retirement, which was each a tragic and a fantastic night time on the similar time, the Laver Cup delivered a extremely entertaining weekend of tennis with packed crowds and many memorable moments.
Highlights for me have been seeing Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray in the identical staff for the primary and final time, listening to Djokovic teaching on the bench, and the general camaraderie between each groups is nice to observe.
To prime it off, the event may be very nicely organised, has a excessive manufacturing worth and runs easily for these watching stay or at dwelling.
Will probably be attention-grabbing to see how issues go subsequent yr with no Federer in a taking part in capability. However I want they’d take it to extra thrilling locations that don’t get stay tennis all that usually.
London labored out nicely this yr, given the circumstances, however I’d like to see it held in some completely different cities. Vancouver, a part of a rustic that freezes your checking account if you happen to purchase a sandwich for a protester, isn’t inspiring me 🙂
Did you guys benefit from the 2022 Laver Cup? Let me know within the feedback.
