Fed-Nole pair up but lose, Europe lead

CHICAGO, September 22

Kevin Anderson and Jack Sock spoiled the doubles debut of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic but Team Europe still led Team World 3-1 after the first day of the Laver Cup.

Grigor Dimitrov, David Goffin and Kyle Edmund all won their opening singles matches to give Team Europe a commanding 3-0 lead going into the evening’s final doubles match. Team World’s Jack Sock and Kevin Anderson needed a tiebreaker to defeat the doubles dream team of Federer and Djokovic 6-7 6-3 10-6.

Sock and Anderson won the tiebreaker after Federer double faulted to give Team World a key 5-4 lead.

Earlier in the day, Europe’s Dimitrov cruised past Frances Tiafoe 6-1 6-4 Goffin saved two match points to outlast Diego Schwartzman 6-4 4-6 11-9 and Edmund toppled World’s Sock 6-4 5-7 10-6.

This is the second instalment of the Laver Cup which has been dubbed the Ryder Cup of tennis — although it lacks the tradition of golf’s premier team event. The exhibition is taking place on the US soil for the first time and features 12 of the world’s top players squaring off against each other in a three-day showcase which wraps up Sunday in Chicago. The format calls for shorter matches. If the players split sets, they go straight to a 10-point tiebreaker. 

On Saturday, wins will be worth two points each instead of one.

Bjorn Borg’s favoured Team Europe are trying to defend their crown against Team World which is captained by the legendary John McEnroe. Federer played in the first Laver Cup but Djokovic is taking part for the first time. The event is named in honour of tennis legend Rod Laver of Australia. — AFP

Djokovic hits Federer, gives him a rub

Novak Djokovic accidentally smashed a forehand into Roger Federer’s lower back, much to the amusement of the crowd. Djokovic (in pic) was quick to apologise to his doubles partner and even jokingly rubbed the area where Federer was hit. When the pair subsequently sat down at a change of ends, Federer said to Djokovic: “That’s why we don’t play doubles, bro!” Djokovic then responded: “Oh my god I think my heart stopped for like three seconds!”.