Europe win third Laver Cup despite thrilling Team World fightback

Team Europe produced a brilliant fightback to maintain their 100% record at the Laver Cup on Sunday, but it went all the way down to the last match.

Europe had an immaculate record of two wins from two competitions going into this year’s event, and had dominated the first two days in Geneva.

However, Team World, possibly spurned on by Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal through injury, won the first two matches of the day, with John Isner and Jack Sock first beating Roger Federer and Stefanos Tsitsipas in the doubles.

Taylor Fritz then put World to within one win of victory when he beat Dominic Thiem.

However, Federer beat Isner to set-up a winner-takes-all decider, allowing Alexander Zverev to take the glory against Milos Raonic.

“Team World came once again very close but we won the right points and had maybe a little bit of luck,” said European captain Bjorn Borg.

“I’m very proud of my team, they did a hell of a job. I’m a very happy captain.”

Controversy reigned for much of the day, as Nadal’s withdrawal stripped Team World of their advantage of being able to dictate the crucial match-ups.

That upset captain John McEnroe, but Zverev was just happy to bring the title home for Europe.

“I’ve never played in something like that, it was unbelievable,” said Zverev, despite also being the man to win the final match in last year’s triumph.

“It’s very special, especially playing in front of those guys and them trusting me to play the last singles game.

“This event is something I hope to play in every single year of my career.”

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