After a dramatic deciding rubber, Team Europe won the Laver Cup, triumphing 13-11 against Team World as they retained the team series title for the third time in a row in Switzerland on Sunday night.
With everything hinging on the duel between Alexander Zverev and Milos Raonic, it was the German who came out on top, despite only serving four aces to Raonic’s 12.
In a tight, swingy game, Zverev took the first set 6-3 but lost the second 6-4, before sealing a sudden death tie-break 10-4 in memorable fashion to see Team Europe celebrate wildly upon lifting the cup.
Lift it up high, #TeamEurope 🏆#LaverCup pic.twitter.com/7RaYBjnTky
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 22, 2019
It may have been Zverev’s personal moment – and should act as a springboard for a renewed energy for the young German rise back up the leaderboard after a year of upheaval – but it was a team triumph. With words from Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer echoing in his ear before he sealed victory, Zverev clearly loved having the backing of such talented, respected legends of the game and it spurred him on to victory.
Team Europe have won the Laver Cup – named after the Grand Slam legend, Australian Rod Laver, every year since its inception in 2017, but never will it have been done in more dramatic fashion.
Although Team World came into the final day 7-5 down, John Isner – encouraged by a transformed team-player Nick Kyrgios – and Jack Sock restored World’s lead as they overcame the home crowd favourite Roger Federer and his doubles partner Stefanos Tsitsipas 5-7 6-4 10-8 in the doubles match.
Indeed, as Team World moved into an 11-7 lead with Taylor Fritz beating Dominic Thiem, the dream looked to have died for Team Europe. But Federer beat Isner in singles, and Zverev’s victory clinched the win.
Two recent nemeses on court had been expected to put in appearances on the final day, but those best of enemies Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios couldn’t take part for Team Europe and Team World respectively. In the end, however, neither were needed for the excitement and tension to reach boiling point on a final day of real drama.
It was left to Nadal himself to introduce the final member of the winning squad to an adoring home crowd upon victory.
Rafa got jokes 😂@RafaelNadal | #LaverCuppic.twitter.com/SjrCYeQU05
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 19, 2019
