Laver Cup 2022 LIVE: Frances Tiafoe and Team World stun Europe and Roger Federer to win tournament
Team World produced a stunning upset as they swept all three matches on Sunday, with Felix Auger-Aliassime beating Novak Djokovic and Tiafoe defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas
Team World produced a stunning comeback on the final day to shock Team Europe and win the Laver Cup for the first time, denying Roger Federer on the final tournament of his career.
The World team, who had lost all four previous editions of the Laver Cup, needed to win three out of four matches to defeat the European team but swept a dramatic day to upset the odds at the O2 Arena in London. The script was flipped in style following the opening two matches of the day. After Andy Murray and Matteo Berrettini were beaten in the doubles, Felix Auger-Aliassime produced a stunning performance in the singles to defeat Novak Djokovic 6-3 7-6.
It left the World needing just one victory to lift the Laver Cup, and Frances Tiafoe produced it with a thrilling comeback victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas, in which he saved four match points and won two tiebreaks. It came after Federer waved a tearful farewell to tennis following his emotional defeat alongside Rafael Nadal on the opening night, on what was a special weekend of tennis.
Relive the action from the final day of the Laver Cup, below:
Laver Cup 2022: *Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-1 0-1 Frances Tiafoe
The momentum seemed to all be with Team World following Auger-Aliassime’s stunning victory over Djokovic but that 21-minute first set has lifted the mood among the Europeans.
Tsitsipas continues with a lovely forehand winner crosscourt onto the lines, bringing 30-30 on the Tiafoe serve.
Tiafoe responds with an ace. That was much needed and he follows it with a serve, smash winner. Solid hold.
Laver Cup 2022: Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-1 Frances Tiafoe* - Europe win first set
This has been sublime from Tsitsipas. He follows a backhand with a forehand volley into space. Tiafoe then goes long on the backhand.
There are three set points - and Tsitsipas seals it with a beautiful backhand winner!
“So good, Stef!” says Murray in appreciation.
And wow - look at these stats. He had 13 winners with no unforced errors. Tiafoe won just seven points.
Laver Cup 2022: *Stefanos Tsitsipas 5-1 Frances Tiafoe
Tsitsipas is bludgeoning the ball back at Tiafoe from these baseline rallies. The American nets under the pressure.
And not just that, he is bringing class too. He unleashes a stunning one-handed backhand winner to move to 0-30. Federer applauds.
Add in some luck, as Tsitsipas gets the net-cord, and it brings three break points. Tiafoe nets again and Tsitsipas has increased his lead.
Laver Cup 2022: Stefanos Tsitsipas 4-1 Frances Tiafoe*
That’s impressive from Tsitsipas. He thunders down an ace to take another comfortable hold. He’s made eight winners to no unforced errros so far. It’s exactly the start Europe needed.
Laver Cup 2022: *Stefanos Tsitsipas 3-1 Frances Tiafoe
Loose from Tiafoe. A forehand into the net is followed up by Tsitsipas taking up a deep position, staying patient, and Tiafoe pushes his forehand wide.
It brings three break points, he responds with a forehand winner, but then Tsitsipas conjures a lovely forehand pass with Tiafoe at the net to get the break!
Laver Cup 2022: Stefanos Tsitsipas 2-1 Frances Tiafoe*
Tiafoe will be hoping to bring the game that led him to the US Open semi-finals last month. He gets on the board with an opening hold, sealed with an aggressive advance up on the net and crisp volley. Tsitsipas holds to love with an ace.
Laver Cup 2022: Stefanos Tsitsipas 1-0 Frances Tiafoe*
An ace easy hold for Tsitsipas. This is a big chance for him to prove a point after a strange season.
*denotes next server
Laver Cup 2022: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Frances Tiafoe
Well here we go - we’ve had emotion all weekend and now the Laver Cup definitely has its drama.
Tsitsipas will serve to get us started. He was brilliant on Friday in defeating Diego Schwartzman.
Laver Cup 2022: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Frances Tiafoe
Wow - what a match we have now. Stefanos Tsitsipas didn’t know if he would have to play today, he now has to win to keep Europe alive in the Laver Cup.
As for Tiafoe, he might have feared Team World being beaten before he had the chance to take to the court today. Instead, he can now win the Laver Cup for Team World for the first time.
The American loves the big stage and after helping to defeat Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on Firday night, Team World have the perfect player for this occasion.
Laver Cup 2022: Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-7 Felix Auger-Aliassime - Game, set and match!
Wow - it’s the first time in Laver Cup history that Team World have led on the scoreboard!
They have lost all four previous tournaments but a shock victory is now within reach.
They require just one more win from the final two matches, starting with Frances Tiafoe against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Tsitsipas must win for Europe, if he does so Casper Ruud must do the same against Taylor Fritz.
Sunday September 25, 2022
12.00pm – Day Session
Match 9 – Murray / Berrettini 6-2 3-6 (8-10) Auger-Aliassime / Sock
Match 10 – Djokovic 3-6 6-7 Auger-Aliassime
Match 11 – Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Frances Tiafoe
Match 12 – Casper Ruud vs Taylor Frtiz*
*if required
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