CHICAGO, September 24, 2018
Alexander Zverev battled back from a set down to defeat Wimbledon finalist Kevin Anderson 6-7(3), 7-5, 10-7 and hand Team Europe an unassailable 13-8 lead in the 2018 Laver Cup.
“A few points here or there could have changed the whole thing … but we defended the title. That’s the most important,” Zverev said.
The 21-year-old German’s win came with one singles rubber to spare at the United Center in Chicago and sees Europe hold onto the title they won at the inaugural edition of the tournament in Prague last year.
True grit: Alexander Zverev withstands the Anderson onslaught to carry #TeamEurope2018 to a second-consecutive #LaverCup title, 6-7(3) 7-5 [10-7]. pic.twitter.com/Qhu4Kiygbz
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) 23. September 2018
Earlier on Sunday, Team World took the lead for the first time thanks to a 4-6, 7-6(2), 11-9 doubles win for John Isner and Jack Sock over Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev. The US-Americans had to save two match points.
“That was epic, you guys were absolutely amazing, holy cow,” Sock told the crowd. “The first lead in Laver Cup history for Team World, that feels amazing.”
Team Europe, however, fought back with Roger Federer battling past John Isner 6-7(7), 7-6(8), 10-7 followed by Zverev’s triumph.
Laver Cup Chicago 2018 official attendance
A total of 93,584 tennis fans turned out to watch the second edition of the Laver Cup, making it one of the largest single sporting events to be held at the United Center in Chicago.
“The Laver Cup is a unique opportunity for Chicago to share our city with tennis greats and fans from across the country and around the world,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said.
“The tournament has not only had a direct economic benefit for Chicago, it has been another successful athletic and cultural event for the city.”
Laver Cup Managing Director Steve Zacks was also thrilled with the success of the event.
“We have been blown away by the standard of tennis, the passion of the players and the dedication of the fans over this Laver Cup weekend in Chicago,” Zacks said.
“This is the first time tennis at this level has been staged in this city for 27 years and the fans have absolutely loved it. More than 93,000 attended over the weekend, making the Laver Cup one of the largest single sporting events to be held at the famous United Center.
“I’d like to thank Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his team for their incredible support and the people of Chicago along with fans from across America and around the world, all who’ve contributed enormously to the great success of the Laver Cup this weekend.”
Day 1 – one point per match
|
1 |
Grigor Dimitrov |
d |
Frances Tiafoe |
6-1 6-4 |
1 |
|
2 |
Kyle Edmund |
d |
Jack Sock |
6-4 5-7 [10-6] |
1 |
|
3 |
David Goffin |
d |
Diego Schwartzman |
6-4 4-6 [11-9] |
1 |
|
4 |
Kevin Anderson & Jack Sock |
d |
Novak Djokovic & Roger Federer |
6-7 (5) 6-3 [10-6] |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
3-1 Team Europe |
|
Day 2 – two points per match
|
5 |
Alexander Zverev |
d |
John Isner |
3-6 7-6(8) [10-7] |
2 |
|
6 |
Roger Federer |
d |
Nick Kyrgios |
6-3 6-2 |
2 |
|
7 |
Kevin Anderson |
d |
Novak Djokovic |
7-6 (5) 5-7 [10-6] |
2 |
|
8 |
Jack Sock & Nick Kyrgios |
d |
Grigor Dimitrov & David Goffin |
6-3 6-4 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
7-5 Team Europe |
|
Day 3 – three points per match
|
9 |
John Isner & Jack Sock |
d |
Roger Federer & Alexander Zverev |
4-6 7-6 (2) [11-9] |
3
|
|
10 |
Roger Federer |
d |
John Isner |
6-7 (5) 7-6 (6) [10-7] |
3 |
|
11 |
Alexander Zverev |
d |
Kevin Anderson |
6-7 (3) 7-5 [10-7] |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
13-8 Team Europe |
|
