There was no successful send-off for Roger Federer as Workforce World fought again on the ultimate day to grow to be 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 group 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 appeared to be hampered by a wrist downside.
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 regarded 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 arising 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 circumstances suited Tsitsipas, who may hit by means of the courtroom with this forehand, however his backhand acquired uncovered. Tiafoe is just not as dynamic a participant, however his backhand is extra simple, and he makes fewer errors off that wing which made the distinction.
It’s an unbelievable feeling. Our captain Jonny Mac was bored with shedding…saying we wanted to get it accomplished this 12 months on his fifth strive. All week main up I saved saying this was our 12 months. 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 accomplished. That is massive. We’re going to rejoice massive 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 sooner or later, and it does make the occasion extra attention-grabbing after they attempt to preserve the trophy on dwelling soil subsequent 12 months when the match is held in Vancouver.
The Laver Cup Entertains
Other than the end result and Federer’s retirement, which was each a tragic and a fantastic evening on the similar time, the Laver Cup delivered a extremely entertaining weekend of tennis with packed crowds and plenty of memorable moments.
Highlights for me have been seeing Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray in the identical group 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 high it off, the match may be very properly organised, has a excessive manufacturing worth and runs easily for these watching reside or at dwelling.
Will probably be attention-grabbing to see how issues go subsequent 12 months with no Federer in a taking part in capability. However I want they’d take it to extra thrilling locations that don’t get reside tennis all that usually.
London labored out properly this 12 months, given the circumstances, however I’d like to see it held in some totally different cities. Vancouver, a part of a rustic that freezes your checking account in case you purchase a sandwich for a protester, is just not inspiring me 🙂
Did you guys benefit from the 2022 Laver Cup? Let me know within the feedback.
