Kyrgios takes Cup down to the wire

NICK Kyrgios had one match point but it was Roger Federer who ultimately prevailed 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 11-9 to clinch the first Laver Cup for Europe.

In an intense match in Prague, Kyrgios often had Federer on the ropes but could not get over the line as the Swiss star secured the victory, leaving the 22-year-old Canberran in tears.

Had he been able to win, it would have tied the scores between the world and European teams and forced a final doubles match.

“It was tough,” Kyrgios said of the loss.

“When I’m playing for myself, sometimes I don’t put the greatest effort in. When I play with these guys I’m playing for something as a team. I’m playing for the whole team. It’s the same in Davis Cup. I’m playing for the country, playing for the guys on the bench.

“I know that every single one of these guys up here has put effort into this week, whether that’s practice or supporting other guys.

“We all bought in as a team. That’s why it hurt. I gave everything I had. I came up short, and I knew that we were going to be favourites going to the doubles. That was in the back of my mind.”

After the pre-match warmup, the Australian — who usually crouches at the net before the first game — took a knee.

It sparked speculation he was showing solidarity with more than 100 NFL players, who knelt in the playing of the US national anthem before matches on Sunday.

They were protesting against comments by US President Donald Trump, who on Saturday said those who failed to stand for the anthem should be fired by NFL teams.

Kyrgios, though, rebuffed the claims in the post-match press conference. “F--- no. Serious?” the Australian said in response to questions.

“I’m doing that before most matches just to remember, you know, the two most important people that have passed away.”

The world team had clawed their way back yesterday with a win in the doubles match, while John Isner defeated Rafael Nadal 7-5, 7-6 (7-1).