Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev lead the way as Team Europe retain Laver Cup

Roger Federer`s 6-7(5) 7-6(8) 10-7 victory over American John Isner put the Europeans just three points from their victory with Alexander Zverev ensuring a composed finish against Kevin Anderson

Pic courtesy: Reuters

Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev won clutch singles matches as Team Europe beat Team World 13-8 to retain the Laver Cup on the third and final day of action in Chicago on Sunday. 

Federer`s hard-fought 6-7(5) 7-6(8) 10-7 victory over American John Isner put the Europeans just three points from their victory.

Alexander Zverev ensured a composed finish with a 6-7(3) 7-5 10-7 win against Kevin Anderson. German Zverev needed to be at his sharpest to get past the South African stalwart who had delivered excellent performances so far. He won the final five points of the third set tie-break to ensure Europe would keep the trophy they won at the inaugural event in Prague last year.

"It was such a close match all around, not only this one but all weekend, a few points here and there and it could have been different," said Zverev. "I`m just happy to get the win and we defended the title, that`s the most important thing."

"A few points here or there could have changed the whole thing." #LaverCup pic.twitter.com/PyedtfmD0A

— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 23, 2018

It was fitting that 21-year-old Zverev punctuated the triumph for Europe by conquering Anderson. Anderson had teamed up with American Jack Sock to knock off Federer and Novak Djokovic in doubles on day one, then defeated Djokovic in a singles contest on Saturday.

On Sunday, John McEnroe`s Team World had taken their first lead of the tournament at 8-7 after the opening doubles when Sock and Isner slipped past Federer and Zverev 4-6 7-6(2) 11-9. Federer needed to save three match points to disarm Isner`s big serve and take the day`s opening singles contest, which like all of Sunday`s matches was worth three points. 

The World Team needed to win one of the first two singles matches to take the tournament down to the final singles clash between Djokovic and Australian Nick Kyrgios but Zverev`s victory ensured it was not required. Grigor Dimitrov, David Goffin, and Kyle Edmund were the other members of the triumphant team led by Swedish great Bjorn Borg.

#TeamEurope2018's blowing up right now.#LaverCup @RogerFederer @David__Goffin @Kyle8Edmund @GrigorDimitrov @DjokerNole @JimChardy #Zverev pic.twitter.com/X2xURFoxPE — Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 24, 2018

"It’s been an unbelievable week," said Borg. "I’m very proud of my team, we knew it’s going to be very difficult to beat Team World with John as the captain. He has a great team, they’re very professional."