ZCZC
BSP-02
TENNIS-LAVER
Zverev seals Laver Cup win for Europe
CHICAGO, Sept 24, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Europe retained their Laver Cup tennis
crown here Sunday as Alexander Zverev defeated Kevin Anderson to complete a
13-8 win over the World team.
Germany’s Zverev came from a set down to complete a 6-7 (3/7), 7-5, 10-7
over Anderson as the Europeans successfully defended the title won in Prague
last year.
Zverev’s win was the final act of an enthralling day of action at Chicago’s
United Center, where the World team had roared back into contention in the
day’s first rubber.
American duo John Isner and partner Jack Sock fought off two match points
to defeat Zverev and world number two Roger Federer in a gripping doubles
battle.
Isner and Sock prevailed 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 11/9 to give the World team an 8-7
lead with the three singles rubbers remaining.
Europe responded superbly after that early setback however, with the 37-
year-old Federer returning to secure a vital three points against Isner in
the first singles match of the day.
The Swiss ace came from a set down to defeat the big-serving Isner 6-7
(5/7), 7-6 (8/6), 10/7.
The win was testimony to Federer’s remarkable physical conditioning.
The 20-time Grand Slam singles champion outlasted Isner less than an hour
after he had been beaten in the day’s opening doubles game.
Federer celebrated the win by performing push-ups on court with his
teammates to the delight of the crowd.
The next Laver Cup, which is named after Australian legend Rod Laver, will
be staged in Geneva in September 2019.
BSS/AFP/GMR/0854 hrs