Team World Achieves Second Consecutive Victory over Team Europe at Laver Cup
In a stunning display of talent and dominance, Team World has emerged victorious for the second time in a row against Team Europe at the Laver Cup. The intense competition took place in Vancouver, British Columbia, and saw Team World wrecking havoc with a resounding 13-2 victory over their European rivals.
The captain of Team World, John McEnroe, couldn’t conceal his excitement as he addressed the ecstatic fans after the match. It felt unbelievable to kick their ass, baby, exclaimed McEnroe, relishing the moment. He acknowledged that Team Europe had previously triumphed over them multiple times, making this victory even sweeter.
Historically, Team Europe, led by Laver Cup founder Roger Federer, had dominated the event, winning the first three editions from 2017 to 2019. However, due to the unfortunate break caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Team Europe’s winning streak was interrupted in 2020. Then, in 2021, despite missing star players such as Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, they managed to regain their dominance in Boston with a commanding 14-1 victory.
Last season’s event, held at the 02 Arena in London, witnessed an emotional farewell from Federer as he teamed up with Nadal in doubles. Surprisingly, Team World emerged as the winners for the first time, triumphing 13-8, even with the likes of Nadal and Djokovic in the opposing lineup.
This year’s iteration of Team Europe was unique. It didn’t include any members of the renowned ‘Big 3’ and notably lacked players with Grand Slam titles. In contrast, Team World boasted four Americans who rank within the Top 20 globally: Taylor Fritz (No. 8), Frances Tiafoe (No. 11), Tommy Paul (No. 14), and Ben Shelton (No. 19).
Bjorn Borg, the captain of Team Europe and McEnroe’s main rival during the late 1970s and early ’80s, acknowledged the exceptional performance of Team World. Team World played unbelievable tennis, every single match, Borg admitted, displaying respect for their opponents.
Team World’s victory at Laver Cup serves as an endorsement of the outstanding performance by American tennis players at the U.S. Open. Five Americans, including three men and two women, reached at least the quarterfinals of their home Slam, with Coco Gauff securing her first-ever Grand Slam title and Ben Shelton reaching the semifinals.
The 20-year-old Shelton had an exceptional run at the Laver Cup, winning his singles match on Friday, followed by doubles victories on Saturday and Sunday alongside Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada and Frances Tiafoe, respectively. Shelton even delighted fans with his signature ‘hang up the phone’ move, which he had previously showcased during the U.S. Open.
Tennis legend Rod Laver, the last man to complete the calendar Grand Slam in 1969 (after previously winning it in ’62), expressed his confidence in Shelton’s potential. Laver predicted that Shelton would secure a major title soon, praising his powerful serve, left-handed game, and strategic gameplay.
Looking ahead, the next edition of the Laver Cup will return to European soil in Berlin. Roger Federer has expressed his desire to bolster Team Europe’s roster by adding Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz and 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic. His aim is to prevent McEnroe from taunting them again with another convincing victory.
Federer enthusiastically stated, I’d love to see Alcaraz and Novak on the same team. I’d love to see that happen. As the preparations for the upcoming Laver Cup begin, tennis fans eagerly await more thrilling matches, intense rivalries, and exceptional performances from both Team Europe and Team World.
