Team Europe lost the Laver Cup for the first time two days after Roger Federer’s last appearance. The Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas lost on Sunday in the penultimate individual to Frances Tiafoe from the USA 6: 1, 6: 7 (11:13), 8:10, so the team comparison of tennis professionals went to the fifth edition for the first time world selection.
The tournament in London this year was all about farewell to Federer, the Swiss player had already played the last game of his career on Friday. The success of the world team ultimately came as a surprise. Europe went into the final day with an 8-4 lead because Novak Djokovic first won his singles and then doubles alongside Matteo Berrettini (Italy) on Saturday.
The supposedly reassuring lead was quickly used up on Sunday: Berrettini and Briton Andy Murray lost the doubles match against Felix Auger-Aliassime (Canada) and Jack Sock (USA) 6:2, 3:6, 8:10. Djokovic then surprisingly gave up his singles against Auger-Aliassime 3: 6, 6: 7 (3: 7), Europe was suddenly 8:10 behind.
Tiafoe fights back against Tsitsipas
So Tsitsipas had to win against Tiafoe to save Europe’s chances and initially everything went according to plan. He won the first set in just 20 minutes, but the second set turned into a marathon. After 1:09 hours, Tiafoe managed to equalize the set and let the world selection cheer a little later.
Federer had taken part again in London, but the doubles alongside his long-time rival Rafael Nadal was planned from the outset as a farewell performance due to his knee problems. The duo lost, Federer ended his career in tears of emotion, and then Berrettini moved into the tournament for him.
Nadal also withdrew after the start for “personal reasons”, British Cameron Norrie played for him.