Alexander Zverev has clinched the decisive win for team Europe at the Laver Cup on Sunday after edging past Kevin Anderson 6-7(3), 7-5, 10-7.
The world No.5 had it all to do going into the match after a resurgence stage by team world on the final day of the competition. Triggered by wins from John Isner and Kevin Anderson in the doubles, as well as Isner’s win over Roger Federer in the singles match. Despite the pressure, Zverev held his nerve to prevail as he successfully fended off all six break points he faced throughout the encounter, which lasted more than two hours.
“It was such a close match all around, not only this one but all weekend, a few points here and there and it could have been different,” said Zverev.
“I’m just happy to get the win and we defended the title, that’s the most important thing.”
Overall Europe defeated team world 13-8 to win the Laver Cup for a second consecutive year. It was clear how much the win meant for the team, who ran onto the court to congratulate Zverev over his win. By piling on top of him.
“It was pretty good until I had about 600 kilos of weight on me,” joked Zverev. “I was like, ‘Just get the hell off me!’
“No, it felt good. Obviously it was an amazing feeling.”
Despite suffering defeat, South Africa’s Anderson has praised the Laver Cup and the Chicago crowd. This year’s competition was held at the United Centre. It was also Anderson’s debut in the competition.
“Even though this week didn’t go the way we wanted it to go, just playing here with ‘the’ best crowd support I have ever had as a tennis player was definitely a highlight for me.” He said.
Bjorn Borg, who is the captain of team Europe, has attributed their success to the strong team spirit that was present in the camp. This year’s team consisted of Federer, Zverev, Grigor Dimitrov, Novak Djokovic, David Goffin, Kyle Edmund and Jeremy Chardy.
“We have so much fun together,” said Borg.
“I mean, that’s very important. Outside the court, you have to laugh and to get the feeling together, to get that team spirit. When we are on the court, we are very serious. We know what to do. Everybody’s involved with the matches.
“You know, next year in Geneva, Switzerland, they are not going to take the Cup from us. I’m telling you. We are going to keep the Cup, believe me.”
Djokovic pays his own tribute
14-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic has said he relished the opportunity to play alongside some of his biggest rivals. The Serbian lost both of his singles and doubles matches at the Laver Cup. On Friday he teamed up with Federer for the first time to play a doubles match.
“I think having a legend, Bjorn Borg, sitting on the bench and having Roger and the other guys supporting you after every single point, standing up and cheering you on, and having John McEnroe on the opposite bench, you know, it’s quite unique,” he said.
It appears that the success of the event has tempted Djokovic to play in the competition again in the future. Although there has been no official confirmation. The competition is hosted around the world in different venues each year. In 2019 the competition will take place between September 20-22 in Geneva, Switzerland.
“I have experienced a lot and I have been really blessed to play this sport in high levels for so many years.” Said Djokovic.
“But to talk with Roger about different things related to tennis, life, family, football, and the other guys just joking around and dancing to Grigor’s music, enjoying Kyle’s singing and following Jeremy everywhere he goes, yeah, it was a lot of fun.
“I really hope that we can have another chance to get together.”
