Federer clinches Laver Cup victory for Team Europe

Roger Federer denied Nick Kyrgios in a thrilling match in Prague to seal victory for Team Europe in the inaugural Laver Cup.

Kyrgios held a match point, yet, just as he did in their thrilling Miami semifinal in March, Federer prevailed.

The 4-6 7-6(6) [11-9] scoreline gave Team Europe an unassailable 15-9 lead over Team World.

Had Kyrgios clinched victory, scores would have been locked at 12-12, forcing the event into a tie-breaking doubles match.

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“I was ready to go – I had to be,” said Federer.

“That’s what a team member does. The boys played fantastic all weekend, but we knew it could change very quickly on Sunday.

“The Team World boys have been great, in the doubles especially, and we knew it was going to be tough. I was looking at getting ready for a doubles at the very end. I’m very pleased and relieved that we did win the singles and got it done.

A heart-broken Kyrgios was consoled on court by teammates after his final forehand found the net to hand Federer victory, sending the huge O2 Arena crowd into a frenzy.

“It was tough”, Kyrgios said. “When I’m playing for myself, sometimes I don’t put the greatest effort in.

“When I play with these guys I’m playing for something as a team. I’m playing for the whole team. It’s the same in Davis Cup. I’m playing for the country, playing for the guys on the bench.

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“I know that every single one of these guys up here has put effort into this week, whether that’s practice or supporting other guys.

“We all bought in as a team. That’s why it hurt. I gave everything I had. I came up short, and I knew that we were going to be favourites going to the doubles. That was in the back of my mind.”

Earlier on Sunday …

The final day of play began with Team World trailing Team Europe 3-9, yet with match victories on Sunday worth three points, they were still in with a shot of claiming the cup.

They began brilliantly, with American Jack Sock and John Isner combining to defeat Marin Cilic and Tomas Berdych 7-6(5) 7-6(6).

Alex Zverev pushed Team Europe ahead 12-9 with a straight sets win over Sam Querrey, but when Isner stunned Rafael Nadal 7-5 7-6(1) in the third match, the visitors needed just one more victory – via Kyrgios – to level proceedings.

“I’m most proud of these guys – they fought with their heart and soul and put everything into this,” said Team World captain John McEnroe.

“And we were so, so close to pulling this off.”

Team Europe had been the overwhelming favourites to take out the cup, with five top-10 players in their ranks. Team World’s highest-ranked player, Sam Querrey, was 16th.

“It has been such an amazing and fun week and I’m so pleased the event has worked as it has. The camaraderie in the group was amazing and we are all so happy,” Federer said.

“Time will tell how big the Laver Cup will become but the first one is officially over and I can’t wait to get my hands on the trophy.”

More than 83,000 fans attended the three-day event, which in 2018 will be staged in Chicago.