World sworn to success in Fed’s farewell
JOHN McENROE’S swearing inspired Team World to their first ever Laver Cup win as the Fab Four flopped on Roger Federer’s farewell. And the Swiss superstar reckons Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal are also on “borrowed time” in their careers. On a dramatic final day, Frances Tiafoe saved four match points against Stefanos Tsitipas before securing a 13-8 win for Team World – who trailed 4-8 overnight.
It was McEnroe’s first win after losing the first four events as captain since 2017.
And US Open semi-finalist Tiafoe said: “Our captain Johnny Mac was tired of losing. He was dropping a lot of F-bombs, saying we need to get it done this year, on his fifth try. This is big – we will celebrate big till 6.20am!”
McEnroe, who danced on The O2 court in celebration, added: “Nobody beats Team World five years in a row! It has been a long time. Thank God World won!”
Federer said: “I have enjoyed every minute. I was a little bit emotional at times. I hope I didn’t make the team lose!
“We all had flashes of our careers going by and knowing that we are on borrowed time for so many years already.”
Murray and Matteo Berrettini lost 6-2 3-6 8-10 to Jack Sock and Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Scot said: “I just need to start turning close matches into wins.”