World team storms back

KEVIN ANDERSON avenged a Wimbledon finals loss to Novak Djokovic as Team World dominated yesterday’s night session to climb back into contention at the 2018 Laver Cup.

Anderson’s surprise win, combined with a doubles victory by World’s Jack Sock and Nick Kyrgios over Grigor Dimitrov and David Goffin, slashed Europe’s overall lead to 7-5 heading into today’s third and final day of the exhibition tournament.

Earlier, Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev powered Europe into a commanding 7-1 lead by winning their singles matches to set a daunting task for the underdog World team in Chicago.

South Africa’s Anderson got the fight back started by upsetting reigning Wimbledon and US Open champ Djokovic 7-6, 5-7, 10-6 to earn two points for Team World at the United Center arena.

“We’ve had some really close matches that haven’t gone our way and I really wanted to put us back in there,” said Anderson.

“It’s not easy playing one of the best players of all time, but what an amazing atmosphere.

“It’s just fantastic, for so many reasons. I felt I played a great match - beating Novak on any stage is great and here in Chicago makes it extra special.”

World captain John McEnroe said: “Kevin was so well prepared for this, we needed this bad. It was absolutely awesome.”

Defending champion Europe needs 13 points to take the title, which is being held for the second time. – AFP