Yahoo Movies Team World spoil Roger Federer's Laver Cup farewell party with final-day fightback
Team Europe 8 Team World 13
Tiafoe saves four match points before beating Tsitsipas to clinch title
Djokovic loses to Auger-Aliassime in straight sets
Is the twilight of the tennis gods upon us? The Laver Cup is the latest event to make this case, with the European ancien regime sliding to defeat on Sunday against the younger, fresher faces of Team World.
You might have thought that Bjorn Borg’s job – as captain of Team Europe – would be a sinecure. His team sheet at the start of the weekend included all of the so-called “Big Four” for the first time. That meant a combined tally of 66 major singles titles. Whereas John McEnroe’s challengers could muster none at all.
But the last few weeks have felt like the long-awaited tipping point when experience gives way to energy and verve. A moment that tennis fans have often described as “the changing of the guard”.
First 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz snatched the US Open trophy, becoming the first teenage champion since Rafael Nadal opened his own account in 2005.
Then the young North Americans – 22-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime and 24-year-old Frances Tiafoe – pulled off Sunday’s unexpected heist at the O2 Arena, ending a run of four straight European victories since the Laver Cup was inaugurated in 2017.
“Obviously the circumstances are a little different than they could have been five or 10 years ago,” said McEnroe, when asked about the intimidation factor of the Big Four. “These guys [the likes of Tiafoe and Auger-Aliassime] are going to step up big time in the future, not just here.”
If we go back through the results over all three days of this Ryder Cup facsimile, the only man over the age of 30 to trouble the scorers was Novak Djokovic (played three, won two).
The retiring Federer managed just a single doubles appearance, in which he moved gingerly on his suspect right knee. Nadal’s contribution was equally tangential: having teamed up with Federer in that narrow doubles defeat, he bailed out early on Saturday morning to rejoin his heavily pregnant wife.
Andy Murray played one singles and one doubles but also failed to register a point. And even though Djokovic looked imperious against Tiafoe on Saturday, he woke up the next morning with soreness in his wrist and could only serve at three-quarter pace.
So it was that Borg’s Babes came to grief on Sunday, when the inflationary structure of the event states that each win is worth three points. (They count for two on Saturday and one on Friday, in an effort to keep the overall contest alive for as long as possible.)
The final blow was struck by Tiafoe, who saved four match points before overcoming Stefanos Tsitsipas in an exciting super tie-break. “The whole week we were calling [Tiafoe] Prime Time,” said Team World’s back-up player Tommy Paul. “We put him in the slot that he was in today for a reason, and he stepped up for us big time.”
Federer and his team-mates looked and sounded deflated in their final press conference. The players are clearly invested in the Laver Cup, even if such a new event is bound to lack resonance outside the tennis bubble.
For next year’s event in Vancouver, Borg and McEnroe are to hang on to their roles, despite the fact that Borg is phoning it in as captain.
Thereafter, we might well see Federer take over captaincy duties, perhaps in opposition to one of his early rivals such as Andy Roddick or Lleyton Hewitt. Although Federer was at pains not to commit himself on Sunday night.
“No plans there,” he said, when asked about the captaincy for 2024. “Bjorn's doing a great job. Thomas [Enqvist, the vice-captain] as well, supporting him all the way. It's been great fun. Who knows, maybe one day.”
Team World beat Europe to win Laver Cup, – as it happened
06:54 PM
Goodnight
The Laver Cup began with the emotions of Federer's final match and tears with Nadal...
... and ended with a remarkable victory for Team World...
06:40 PM
Where will Laver Cup 2023 take place you ask?
It will be in Vancouver, Canada next September.
06:32 PM
Tiafoe reacts
It is an unbelievable feeling. Our captain Jonny Mac was tired of losing…saying we needed to get it done this year on his fifth try. All week leading up I kept saying this was our year.
The guys showed up. Felix beat Novak, Jack and Felix also played unbelievable doubles. We all did it together, it wasn’t just me. I showed a lot of heart to get this done. This is big. We are going to celebrate big tonight.
06:26 PM
Team World captain John McEnroe reacts
It’s been a long time. We’ve been beaten up a couple of times. It looked like we were in trouble. This is a great group of young guys.
06:12 PM
TEAM WORLD ARE THE LAVER CUP CHAMPIONS
It is all over in the most dramatic of circumstances.
Against all odds, Team World win all three matches as Tiafoe completes a 1-6, 7-6 [10-8] victory over Tsitsipas.
Team World win the 2022 Laver Cup! 🌎🏆
What an effort from @FTiafoe 👏#LaverCup pic.twitter.com/Yn6fnpCHn4— Eurosport (@eurosport) September 25, 2022
05:52 PM
20 MINUTE TIEBREAK
A gripping tiebreak between Tiafoe and Tsitsipas. Match points and set points for both players.
But eventually, Tiafoe gets the job done with an outrageous backhand drop volley.
Into a 10-point Laverbreaker we go. If Tiafoe wins, Team World win the event. If Tsitsipas takes it, we go to a final match decider.
05:27 PM
Djokovic on his wrist injury
I have been struggling with my right wrist for the last four, five days, to be honest. I have been keeping it under control.
The two matches yesterday probably had an effect. Today was not easy. I couldn't serve as fast or as accurately as I would like to. That has affected the whole game. He was serving extremely well.
Of course I'm not taking anything away from his performance. It was outstanding, big serving, and very solid from back of the court.
05:20 PM
Into the business end of the second set
Tsitsipas hasn't had it his own way in set two with Tiafoe keeping up with him and the American holds to make it 5-4.
05:06 PM
Murray on Federer
It was obviously a special night. It was very emotional, especially seeing Roger's family there and his children and everything. Yeah, for me it was really nice but very emotional, as well. And yet you could see, like, what it meant to Roger and Rafa.
I heard some of the words that Rafa said afterwards, and yeah, I found the few days in the buildup to that day as well, like, I found myself thinking a lot about these last sort of 10, 15 years more than I probably have done before.
When I was going through some of the injury problems, I didn't know if I was going to play, I was thinking about it from my own perspective. But maybe looking at it more in a broader perspective, like thinking about what Roger's done for the game and what Rafa and Novak, as well, and what this period has been like, it has been special.
Yeah, we're lucky to be here and be present for Friday night.
04:47 PM
The European fight back begins
In a must-win match for Europe, Stefanos Tsitsipas wins the opening set 6-1 over Frances Tiafoe.
The stats say the Greek hit zero double faults in the first set.
04:28 PM
Injury worry for Djokovic
After being so good last night, Djokovic was out of sorts today. And it seems his below par display may have been due to injury.
Eurosport's cameras in the Team Europe locker room captured Djokovic shaking his right wrist/arm and having tape wrapped around his forearm.
It's unclear how serious the issue is at the moment but we should hear from him soon in his press conference.
04:21 PM
Let's hear from Auger-Aliassime
"It's one of my best performances in my career."
What a day in the office for @felixtennis.#LaverCup pic.twitter.com/fubmLz5zbp— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 25, 2022
04:19 PM
Fabulous Felix
Must admit I was skeptical of the decision to play Auger-Aliassime twice, especially when he put up against Djokovic in singles.
But the gamble has well and truly paid off.
04:05 PM
Team Europe 8 Team World 10
Incredibly after starting the day down by four points, Team World need one more win from the final two matches to claim their first Laver Cup title.
04:02 PM
Djokovic 3-6 6-7Auger-Aliassime - TIEBREAK
Too good from Auger-Aliassime and Djokovic nets a defensive backhand, 2-5. Djokovic error, 2-6. Four match points.
Djokovic ace, 3-6. Auger-Aliassime forehand winner, 3-7. GAME SET MATCH WORLD!
03:55 PM
Djokovic 3-6 6-6 Auger-Aliassime - TIEBREAK
Lucky net cord for Auger-Aliassime, 0-1. Auger-Aliassime forehand goes long, 1-1. Auger-Aliassime responds with a forehand winner after a big first serve, 1-2. Djokovic backhand into the net, 1-3.
Great play by Auger-Aliassime but it's not enough as Djokovic finishes with a volley winner, 2-3. Excellent first serve by Auger-Aliassime and Djokovic can't get his return in play, 2-4.
03:50 PM
Djokovic* 3-6 6-6 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
120mph ace from Auger-Aliassime down the T, 30-0. Another ace, this time 121mph, 40-0. Three in a row?
He can't but he wins the point and the game with a forehand winner.
Tiebreak time!
03:47 PM
Djokovic 3-6, 6-5 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic backhand into the tramlines, 15-15. Superb net play by Auger-Aliassime and he finishes the rally with a volley winner, 15-30. Auger-Aliassime nets a backhand after a big first serve by Djokovic down the T, 40-30.
Auger-Aliassime slices a defensive backhand into the net and Djokovic holds to guarantee himself a tiebreak.
03:43 PM
Djokovic* 3-6, 5-5 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
129mph ace down the T by Auger-Aliassime, 40-0. Another ace, this time 118mph and he holds.
03:41 PM
Djokovic 3-6, 5-4 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
This is the highest level of tennis right now between the two players. Both of them going at it. But Djokovic forces Auger-Aliassime to have to stay in the set with another gritty service hold.
03:40 PM
Djokovic* 3-6, 4-4 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Too good from Auger-Aliassime as he places a backhand down the line for a winner, 30-0.
Terifiic wide first serve then a forehand winner by Auger-Aliassime to hold serve again.
03:32 PM
Djokovic 3-6, 4-3 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Auger-Aliassime forehand winner to open the game. Djokovic then hits a forehand well long, 0-30. Beautiful drop shot winner by Auger-Aliassime, 15-40. Djokovic saves the first break point. And the second when Auger-Aliassime puts a forehand long, deuce.
Amazing defence from Djokovic again and Auger-Aliassime nets a volley. Massive service hold for Europe.
03:29 PM
Djokovic* 3-6, 3-3 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Back-to-back error by Auger-Aliassime, 30-30. Team World are on their feet encourging Djokovic.
Auger-Aliassime backhand long, three break points. Djokovic breaks to love when Auger-Aliassime's forehand is wide.
03:22 PM
Djokovic 3-6, 2-3 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Auger-Aliassime drills a forehand into the corner, 30-15. Great defense by both players, Auger-Aliassime flicks a forehand which drops just wide, 40-15.
Djokovic holds again to keep himself in the match.
03:18 PM
Djokovic* 3-6, 1-3 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Scorching forehand pass by Djokovic, 15-15. 130mph ace fromAuger-Aliassime, 30-15.
Djokovic's return drops wide after another big Auger-Aliassime serve. 'Come on' shouts Auger-Aliassime after another Djokovic goes long.
03:14 PM
Djokovic 3-6, 1-2 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Another aggressive forehand return by Auger-Aliassime and Djokovic nets, 15-15.
Auger-Aliassime passes Djokovic with a backhand winner, 40-30.
Djokovic finally ends Auger-Aliassime's run of five games in a row when he holds.
03:11 PM
Djokovic* 3-6, 0-2 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
124mph wide ace from Auger-Aliassime, 30-0. Djokovic return error of a Auger-Aliassime second serve, 40-0.
Vintage Djokovic backhand winner up the line, 40-15. Then a forehand winner after a deep return puts Auger-Aliassime off balance. Big 111mph second serve by Auger-Aliassime and Djokovic nets his return.
If Auger-Aliassime has played better than this in his career I'd be shocked.
03:07 PM
Second Set: Djokovic 3-6, 0-1 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic double fault, 30-15. Auger-Aliassime gets a look at a second serve by Djokovic and drills a forehand return down the line for a winner, 30-30.
Djokovic backhand long, 30-40. Djokovic backhand into the net and Auger-Aliassime breaks again.
A major upset is brewing here.
03:04 PM
Djokovic* 3-6 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
123mph ace down the T from Auger-Aliassime, 30-15. Another big first serve down the T and Djokovic can't get his return in play, 40-15.
Auger-Aliassime squanders his first set point chance. Will he take the second? Yes he can and Team World are delighted.
Auger-Aliassime gets his first serve in play, fires a forehand into the corner and finishes the point and set with a volley winner.
Sensational tennis.
And *that's* how you convert set point.#LaverCup | @felixtennis | @eurosport pic.twitter.com/RduSr7m7t8
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 25, 2022
02:59 PM
Djokovic 3-5 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Short ball by Djokovic and he is punished when Auger-Aliassime drills a forehand winner into the corner, 0-30.
Djokovic attacks the net but doesn't do enough with his volley and Auger-Aliassime flicks a cross court backhand past him for a winner, 0-40.
Auger-Aliassime return winner to break. What an incredible sequence of points.
02:56 PM
Djokovic* 3-4 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Auger-Aliassime shanks a forehand long but responds with a 119mph ace, 30-15.
Auger-Aliassime hits a forehand into the net, 30-40. A backhand by Djokovic is called out but overruled by the umpire. Team World challenge it and Hawkeye says it was out, deuce.
And Auger-Aliassime comes through that tricky game when Djokovic misses with a forehand.
02:48 PM
Djokovic 3-3 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic gets back on track with a routine service hold to love.
02:44 PM
Djokovic* 2-3 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
114mph wide ace from Auger-Aliassime, 30-15. Then a 120mph ace down the T, 40-15.
Djokovic doesn't ecellently to get the ball back in play after a good Auger-Aliassime serve and the Canadian misses long with a forehand, 40-30.
Auger-Aliassime holds to take the lead.
02:42 PM
Djokovic 2-2 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Exceptional defence by Auger-Aliassime to slide intoa forehand and slice a shot down the line for a winner, 30-30.
Auger-Aliassime comes up with another forehand winner down the line, deuce.
Djokovic slices a backhand into the net, break point Auger-Aliassime. Wow Djokoivic double fault.
Auger-Aliassime breaks back. I didn't see that coming.
02:35 PM
Djokovic* 2-1 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Auger-Aliassime holds to love to get on the scoreboard. Djokovic is already playing at a very high level in these early stages.
02:32 PM
Djokovic 2-0 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Too good from Djokovic as he places a forehand approach down the line and finishes with a volley winner, 30-15.
Auger-Aliassime gets a look at a second serve from Djokovic and drills a forehand return down the line, 30-30.
Djokovic responds with a forehand winner of his own, 40-30. And Djokovic holds when Auger-Aliassime puts a forehand long.
02:28 PM
First Set: Djokovic* 1-0 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Will Auger-Aliassime's 'warm-up' in the doubles help him start strongly?
Perhaps not. He slips to 15-40 after a volley winner by Djokovic. Auger-Aliassime saves the first break point when Djokovic nets a backhand return.
But not the second after flicking a forehand into the tramlines. Fast start by Djokovic.
02:24 PM
Here we go!
Time for some singles action with Djokovic and Auger-Aliassime.
The latter will serve to start the match.
02:15 PM
Here's some reaction from Sock to Team World's win
"You better... win."
Sage advice from Team World Captain John McEnroe.#LaverCup | @JackSock92 pic.twitter.com/C8qEJW5l5O— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 25, 2022
02:13 PM
Team Europe 8 Team World 7
It is very finely poised now. If Auger-Aliassime beats Djokovic, Team World will go into the lead for the first time in the match.
But on the evidence of Djokovic's level last night, it could be a tough afternoon for Auger-Aliassime
02:03 PM
The winning moment for Team World
One for the ages.@JackSock92 and @felixtennis find a way to keep Team World within touching distance.#LaverCup pic.twitter.com/wxtM3NIMss
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 25, 2022
01:54 PM
Murray/Berrettini 6-2, 3-6 (8-10) Sock/Auger-Aliassime - MATCH TIEBREAK
Incredible half volley pick up by Murray and Auger-Aliassime nets a forehand, 6-7. Murray volley winner, 7-7.
Excellent wide serve by Sock and Murray can't get his return in play, 7-8. Big serve by Berrettini, Sock's return is high and Berrettini drills a forehand at Auger-Aliassime's feet, 8-8. Murray volley into the net, 8-9.
Sock volley winner, 8-10. GAME SET MATCH WORLD. What a finish!
01:48 PM
Murray/Berrettini 6-2, 3-6 Sock/Auger-Aliassime - MATCH TIEBREAK
Auger-Aliassime closes the net well and finishes with a volley winner, 4-3. Sock frames a backhand return but it drops in for a winner, 4-4. Berrettini double fault, 4-5. Sock attacks Murray at the net and the Briton can't get the ball back in play, 4-6. Sock nets a forehand, 5-6. Murray double fault, 5-7.
01:42 PM
Murray/Berrettini 6-2, 3-6 Sock/Auger-Aliassime - MATCH TIEBREAK
111mph wide Berrettini ace, 1-0. Good second serve by Auger-Aliassime and Berrettini nets his return, 1-1. Bad volley by Auger-Aliassime flies well long, 2-1. It's then Murray's turn to hit what should have been a makeable volley long, 2-2. Auger-Aliassime return long, 3-2. Sock forehand is called out and Hawkeye confirms it, 4-2.
01:37 PM
Murray/Berrettini* 6-2, 3-6 Sock/Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Great feel by Murray at the net to finish with a drop shot winner, 0-15. Auger-Aliassime forehand long, 0-30.
Sock overhead winner, 15-30. Another overhead winner by Sock, 40-30.
Berrettini steps forehand and pushes a backhand return down the line for a winner, deuce. Auger-Aliassime overhead winner brings up a second set point.
And Team World get the job done! Auger-Aliassime comes up with the volley winner to seal the net and now we will have a 10 point 'Laverbreaker' to decide the match.
Team World are PUMPED! 💪
We're heading to a tie-break 😬#LaverCup pic.twitter.com/BD5K6ZM2rt— Eurosport (@eurosport) September 25, 2022
01:31 PM
Murray/Berrettini 6-2, 3-5 Sock/Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Auger-Aliassime has really raised his level while Berrettini's has dropped. The latter misses a very makeable volley then the former whips a lovely forehand down the line for a winner, 30-30.
Another forehand down the line by Auger-Aliassime is too big for Murray, who nets. Deuce.
But Murray forces Team World to serve for the set with a volley winner.
01:25 PM
Murray/Berrettini* 6-2, 2-5 Sock/Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Murray goes at Auger-Aliassime with a forehand and Auger-Aliassime's volley goes wide, 15-30. Sock forehand into the net, 15-40.
World save the first break point after Berrettini nets a backhand. And the second when Auger-Aliassime puts away an overhead winner, deuce.
Gritty hold by World is sealed when Murray tamely nets a backhand.
01:19 PM
Murray/Berrettini 6-2, 2-4 Sock/Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Berrettini holds his serve to 30 to keep Europe in the set. Team World still have the momentum though.
01:14 PM
Murray/Berrettini* 6-2, 1-4 Sock/Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
124mph first serve by Auger-Aliassime is unreturned by Murray, 30-15. Sock finds himself in no mans land but he is covered by Auger-Aliassime who draws the error from Murray.
Berrettini forehand into the net and Auger-Aliassime holds serve again.
01:10 PM
Murray/Berrettini 6-2, 1-3 Sock/Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Europe get back on track as Murray holds to 15. This match needed this response from Team World, it hadn't been a competive match until this point.
01:05 PM
Murray/Berrettini* 6-2, 0-3 Sock/Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Suddenly Auger-Aliassime has come alive. He's all over everything at the net.
Berrettini overhead winner, 30-30. Auger-Aliassime gets low to reach a volley and Berrettini nets a forehand.
Forehand to forehand battle by Sock and Murray, Auger-Aliassime gets a volley which hits Berrettini but gives them the game.
01:01 PM
Murray/Berrettini 6-2, 0-2 Sock/Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
A couple of errors from Berrettini and that gives Team World an opening.
Great defense by Auger-Aliassime to not give up on an overhead, keep the point alive and Berrettini puts a forehand long.
World breaks! Their first of the match as Auger-Aliassime comes good again in a net duel and Murray misses.
Taking back of the court to a whole new level 🔺
Brilliant work from @felixtennis 👏#LaverCup pic.twitter.com/tTEzBjxhhA— Eurosport (@eurosport) September 25, 2022
12:56 PM
Second Set: Murray/Berrettini* 6-2, 0-1 Sock/Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Good energy from Team World at the start of this set and importantly for Auger-Aliassime he hangs onto his serve in the opening game of the second set.
12:49 PM
Murray/Berrettini 6-2 Sock/Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
125mph ace from Murray brings up three set points for Europe. And they take it at the first opportunity when Sock's forehand return flies long.
Very good doubles tennis from Europe.
12:47 PM
Murray/Berrettini* 5-2 Sock/Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
124mph first serve by Sock but Berrettini reads it and drills a forehand winner past the American, 30-30.
Ouch. Berrettini and Murray go for the same ball and the latter ends up on the floor as a result. But Berrettini carries on and finishes with a drop shot winner. Break point Europe. Murray is fine to continue.
Auger-Aliassime saves the break point with an overhead winner but Europe get another break point when Murray blasts a forehand winner through the middle of Team World.
Europe target Auger-Aliassime again at the net and the Canadian blinks first, putting a volley long.
Europe break and will serve for the set.
12:41 PM
Murray/Berrettini 4-2 Sock/Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
A 130mph first serve by Berrettini enables Murray to finish with an easy overhead winner, 40-0.
And a 127mph ace from Berrettini seals another routine service hold for Europe.
12:38 PM
Murray/Berrettini* 3-2 Sock/Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Much better game from Auger-Aliassime as he holds to love. Hopefully that will boost his confidence after a tricky start.
12:35 PM
Murray/Berrettini 3-1 Sock/Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Berrettini volley winner, 30-15. He's been the best player in the opening stages. Sock makes another forehand error, 40-15.
Berrettini shows his sharpness again at the net to finish the game with a smash winner.
12:31 PM
Murray/Berrettini* 2-1 Sock/Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Chance for Murray when he gets a short ball but he nets a forehand, 30-15. Double fault by Sock, 30-30.
Murray forehand return and Auger-Aliassime messes up his volley, break point.
Berrettini goes at Auger-Aliassime again with a big forehand and the Canadian can't control his volley which flies long.
Europe breaks.
12:27 PM
Murray/Berrettini 1-1 Sock/Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Confident start by Berrettini on his serve as he holds to 15 with good consistency on his first serve.
He will be tough to break today.
12:23 PM
First Set: Murray/Berrettini* 0-1 Sock/Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Auger-Aliassime starts the match on his serve and on the opening point Berrettini blasts a forehand straight through him.
Auger-Aliassime then frames a forehand long, 0-30. Nervous start by the Canadian. But a couple of big first serves pulls it back to 30-30.
Good anticipation at the net from Sock to finish with a volley winner, 40-30. And Sock finishes with an overhead winner. Good recovery from 0-30 down.
12:11 PM
Standing ovation for Federer
Potentially the final time we'll see the Swiss on a tennis court in the UK.
And the majority of the fans are on their feet to welcome him. An incredible reception from the crowd.
Please welcome to @TheO2 for one last time...
Team Europe's @rogerfederer. #LaverCup pic.twitter.com/J9GjqScnCL— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 25, 2022
12:05 PM
'The greatest event in tennis'...
Says the court announcer for the Laver Cup as we await the players.
That's a very bold statement...
11:58 AM
Not long to go now...
Getting in the zone. #LaverCup pic.twitter.com/OCcIZCqSsD
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 25, 2022
11:53 AM
Berrettini on Federer
Having the chance to live what we lived [on Friday] is something that's going to be stuck in my heart and my brain forever. I'm not lying when I say that I'm here because of him. Like, he was really the one that I was looking up to.
If, a few years ago someone told me, 'Look, you're going to play Laver Cup, and Roger's going to coach you,' I would have been, like, 'Yeah, right'.
11:41 AM
This is what the two teams are playing for. Decent looking trophy...
11:30 AM
'Do not mourn the end of the GOAT – sport always serves up new heroes'
The Telegraph's chief sports writer Oliver Brown ponders where tennis goes next following Roger Federer's retirement:
It appears, in both tennis and beyond, as if we are witnessing the end of what we might call “the GOAT era”. Where there is a danger of excessively romanticising the present, drawing awkward comparisons between different periods to anoint Federer the greatest of all time, the statistics do not lie, with the Big Three in the men’s game having stockpiled 57 of the past 68 major titles between them. It seems inconceivable that such dominance can be concentrated among so few. At some point, the torch must be passed. But to whom?
Read more here.
11:18 AM
Good morning
Hello and welcome to coverage from the Laver Cup at the O2 Arena.
It is the final day of the Team Europe vs Team World event and it is the latter who need a big day if they are to win for the first time. After starting the evening session level at 4-4, Novak Djokovic made a scintillating return to action, first dismantling Frances Tiafoe in straight sets then linking up with Matteo Berrettini in the doubles to beat Jack Sock and Alex de Minaur.
It means we start the day with Europe leading 8-4 and needing just five more points to win. With three points available for a win, there is plenty to play for. The opening match of the day sees Andy Murray team up with Berrettini to face Sock and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
That's then followed by Djokovic against Auger-Aliassime in singles. Djokovic was in dazzling form in his first matches since winning Wimbledon in July.
Federer's retirement has brought the longevity of his great rivals into sharper focus while fans and pundits have wondered how men's tennis would cope with the prospect of losing their most marketable athletes. But for now, the 21-time grand slam champion is not thinking about hanging up his racket.
"I'm not playing as much as I played few years ago. I want to peak at the best tournaments, biggest tournaments in the world, which are Grand Slams and some of the biggest ATP events, playing for my country," Djokovic said.
"That's what gives me the most motivation and inspires me to play the best tennis. I really want to keep going. I don't have the ending of my career on the horizon at the moment. "I just want to keep going as long as I feel good and I can compete with the youngsters, that I could be one of the candidates to win Grand Slams."
