Stroke of luck

Team World came once again very close but we won the right points and had maybe a little bit of luck

ROGER Federer and the Europeans conquer the Laver Cup. AFP

GENEVA, Switzerland (AFP) — Alexander Zverev sealed a dramatic Laver Cup victory for Europe over Team World after beating Milos Raonic in the deciding singles match.

The holders trailed 11-7 midway through the final day, but Zverev, after Roger Federer edged past John Isner, downed Raonic 6-4, 3-6, 10-4 to deny John McEnroe’s visitors their maiden triumph in the third edition of the event.

Instead, Bjorn Borg’s Europe made it three wins from three since the inaugural staging in 2017.

“Team World came once again very close but we won the right points and had maybe a little bit of luck,” said captain Borg.

“I’m very proud of my team, they did a hell of a job. I’m a very happy captain.”

After Rafael Nadal withdrew from Sunday’s play with a hand injury, Isner and Jack Sock beat Federer and Stefanos Tsitsipas in the opening doubles encounter before Taylor Fritz saw off Dominic Thiem to leave Team World one win from the trophy.

But Federer claimed a 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) victory over Isner to set up a winner-takes-all clash between Zverev and Raonic.

World number six Zverev took the first set courtesy of a break in game seven, with big-serving Canadian Raonic hitting back to force a super tiebreak, saving four break points to serve out the second set.

But Zverev, who was selected by Borg ahead of Tsitsipas and Fabio Fognini for the first-ever Laver Cup decider, raced to victory as Raonic’s serve deserted him.

The 22-year-old, who also clinched Europe’s win last year by beating Kevin Anderson, fired a brilliant cross-court forehand past Raonic on his first match point.

“I’ve never played in something like that, it was unbelievable,” Zverev said.

“It’s very special, especially playing in front of those guys and them trusting me to play the last singles game. This event is something I hope to play in every single year of my career.”

Europe will defend its title in 2020 at TD Garden in Boston from 25 to 27 September.

Federer had to win a tense tiebreak over world number 20 Isner to take three points in the penultimate match, smashing an ace on the final point to raise the roof in Geneva, after the American had somehow shot wide on the previous point with the court at his mercy.

“I’m thrilled that I was able to give something back to the team,” said Federer.

“Obviously to see Rafa on the sidelines after having to pull out with an injury, it’s great camaraderie I feel.”

Team World had started the day 7-5 behind.

Fritz had earlier put Team World to within touching distance of a shock success with a 7-5, 6-7 (3/7), 10-5 win over Thiem.

The American, himself a replacement for the injured Nick Kyrgios, followed up Isner and Sock’s 5-7, 6-4, 10-8 defeat of Federer and Tsitsipas with a surprise tie-break triumph over world number five Thiem.

“That was such a big match for Team World to win, we really needed that,” said Fritz.

“This has to be one of the biggest wins of my career. It means so much more when you’re playing for other people as well.”