Federer shines as Team Europe win inaugural Laver Cup

World no.2 Tennis superstar, Roger Federer was the man under the lights when Team Europe successfully saw off Team World to win the inaugural Laver Cup.

The event which was staged in Prague, Czech Republic came to an end on Sunday after featuring rare matches among some of the best men in the sport for three days.

Team Europe began the final day with a 9-3 lead, but, after a win apiece in the opening two matches on Sunday, John Isner beat Rafael Nadal 7-5 7-6 (7-1) to cut the advantage to 12-9.

Team World would have had the chance to force a deciding doubles if Nick Kyrgos had defeated Federer in the final game.

But Federer went on to a match tie-break with Kyrgios, saved match point and won 4-6 7-6 (8-6) 11-9 to spark jubilant celebrations.

Read Also: LAVER CUP: Federer, Nadal play, win first-ever doubles together

“It has been such an amazing and fun week and I’m so pleased the event has worked as it has,” Federer, 36, said.

“The camaraderie in the group was amazing and we are all so happy. Time will tell how big the Laver Cup will become.”

The competition saw Federer and Nadal play doubles together for the first time on Saturday.

The world no.1 and no.2 took centre stage on the Day 2 of the event and beat Team World pair of Sam Querrey & Jack Sock 6-4 1-6 [10-5].

After their playing together on one side of the court, Federer said: “We will always be rivals as long as we are active. And after this we will be rivals again.. But this was something very special. It’s been an absolute pleasure sharing the court with Rafa.”

The second edition of the Laver Cup will be hosted in Chicago from Sept. 21-23, 2018.

 

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