There was no profitable send-off for Roger Federer as Workforce World fought again on the ultimate day to turn into the Laver Cup champions for 2022.
The Europeans headed into Sunday with an 8-4 lead after Djokovic dominated Saturday’s proceedings, however due to the progressive scoring system, John McEnroe’s crew 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 court docket 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.
Nevertheless, Tiafoe grew into the match and compelled Tsitsipas to hit extra pictures 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 file a 1-6, 7-6(11), 10-8 victory.
Going into the match, I felt assured the situations suited Tsitsipas, who may hit by way of the court docket with this forehand, however his backhand acquired uncovered. Tiafoe isn’t 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 dropping…saying we wanted to get it performed this 12 months on his fifth strive. All week main up I stored saying this was our 12 months. The fellows 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 performed. That is massive. We’re going to have a good time massive tonight. Frances Tiafoe throughout his on court docket interview
So a disappointing finish to the weekend from the European perspective, however Workforce World had been due a win in some unspecified time in the future, and it does make the occasion extra attention-grabbing after they attempt to maintain the trophy on dwelling soil subsequent 12 months when the match is held in Vancouver.
The Laver Cup Entertains
Other than the outcome and Federer’s retirement, which was each a tragic and an amazing evening on the similar time, the Laver Cup delivered a extremely entertaining weekend of tennis with packed crowds and many memorable moments.
Highlights for me had been seeing Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray in the identical crew for the primary and final time, listening to Djokovic teaching on the bench, and the general camaraderie between each groups is nice to look at.
To prime it off, the match could be very effectively organised, has a excessive manufacturing worth and runs easily for these watching stay or at dwelling.
It is going to 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 stay tennis all that usually.
London labored out effectively this 12 months, 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.