Federer, Zverev help Team Europe retain Laver Cup
Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev won clutch singles matches as Team Europe beat Team World 13-8 to retain the Laver Cup on the final day of action in Chicago yesterday morning (Singapore time).
Federer defeated American John Isner 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (8/6), 10-7 to put the Europeans just three points from victory and Zverev got them there with a 6-7 (3/7), 7-5, 10-7 win over Kevin Anderson.
German Zverev won the final five points of the third set tie-break against the South African to ensure Europe would keep the trophy they won at the inaugural event in Prague last year.
"It was such a close match all round, not only this one but all weekend," said Zverev. "I'm just happy to get the win and we defended the title, that's the most important thing."
John McEnroe's Team World had taken their first lead of the tournament at 8-7 after the opening doubles when Jack Sock and Isner slipped past Federer and Zverev 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 11-9.
The World Team needed to win one of the first two singles matches to take the tournament down to the final singles clash between Novak Djokovic and Australian Nick Kyrgios but Zverev's victory ensured it was not required.
Grigor Dimitrov, David Goffin and Kyle Edmund were the other members of the triumphant team led by Swedish great Bjorn Borg. - REUTERS
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