Laver Cup 2023: Team World successfully defended the title in Canada, dominating Team Europe with a commanding 13-2.
Laver Cup 2023 – Highlights
Team World got their revenge when, two years ago, they fell to a 14-1 defeat to Team Europe in the Laver Cup, and the victory in Canada was convincing.
Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton delivered the decisive point as they saw off Hubert Hurkacz and Andrey Rublev in the opening doubles rubber on Sunday.
One win from the four scheduled matches would be enough for the holders; that’s why Team World was full of confidence upon their arrival on the court on Sunday.
Tiafo and Shelton, representing Team World, came through two tight tie-breaks in the doubles to secure the win on their first attempts.
Hubert Hurkacz and Andrey Rublev teamed up against the US duo of Shelton and Tiafoe at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.
John McEnroe’s team started the day with a 10-2 lead after Shelton and Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated Hurkacz and Gael Monfils.
Team Europe won the first four editions of the tournament, an event Swiss legend Roger Federer co-established, but they have seen the momentum shift, and Team World claimed the last two titles.
The two pairs were evenly matched for most of the first set, with a superb Rublev forehand at 5-4 keeping Europe in with a shout, but they could not convert either of the two break points they were offered up.
It required a tie-break for Shelton and Tiafoe to claim the set, leaving them just one more from winning the match and the tournament itself.
At 6-5 down in the second set, Team Europe were serving to stay in the competition and were able to force a tie-break, but Shelton and Tiafoe won out once again.
Team World then moved 13-2 clear, establishing a safe gap to ensure their victory.
