Seeking its first-ever win in this third installment of the annual Laver Cup, Team World got a victory from perhaps its least likeliest source on Friday afternoon in Geneva, Switzerland.
Jack Sock was expected to anchor the underdogs’ doubles pairings, but he had not won a singles match all year. The American, who underwent finger surgery following the Australian Open and did not return until late July in Atlanta, was 0-5 in 2019 heading into a Laver Cup. But an inspired Sock raised his level in this team competition to defeat Fabio Fognini of Team Europe 6-1, 7-6(3).
It was a much-needed win for Team World, as Denis Shapovalov lost the opening rubber against Dominic Thiem 6-4, 5-7, 13-11. Shapovalov held three match points in the super-tiebreaker (9-7, 9-8, 11-10) but could not get across the finish line.
“I’m sure everyone here is surprised I won a singles match. It has been a while,” Sock told the crowd. “I had thumb surgery in February and I was out for six months with it. There have been few tournaments and few matches this year, but for some reason the Laver Cup seems to bring the best out of everyone here…. “I came out with a lot of energy, stuck to my game,” said Sock. “I’ve played great singles before, so I know it is in me. It is an amazing feeling to bring it out for these guys today, not just myself.”
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The two teams may have figured to be tied 1-1 following the afternoon session–just in a different fashion. Despite being ranked much higher than Shapovalov, Thiem was arguably the underdog due to a virus that derailed his summer hard-court swing.
But the world No. 5 restored his confidence with a strong first set and in impressive bounce-back in the tiebreaker following the loss of set two.
“It’s a really special thing with the tiebreak in the third,” Thiem said. “It creates lots of close moments and match points on either side. It’s also a little bit of luck at the end.”
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im just here for the bench reactions
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/1180697/Rafael-Nadal-injury-strapping-left-wrist-Laver-Cup-tennis-news/amp
Again Rafa or just a hoax ?
Not a hoax. Rafa said he doesn’t know how much of a problem it is and he’s still hoping to play.
And it’s his left wrist. I mean the fh wrist. Seriously Rafa ? You don’t have to compromise your health n get injured just because you made committment to Fed
Rafa is scheduled to play singles and doubles today. i dont know why is Rafa playing LC. Shitty decision
Rafa is playing LC because he said he would and Rafa is a man of his word. He won’t play today if he’s really injured. He’s been practicing ok, probably just came up with a hand problem. The way it’s taped I don’t think it’s his wrist, more likely the thumb, looks like the bandage restricts thumb movement.
Why is he playing Laver Cup at all? Because he enjoys it and he believes it’s good for tennis and he knows his name and presence are very valuable. I think he’s right about all of that.
What irritates me is he is just surrendering year end no 1 on a platter with this. Though fed says he is worried about Rafa playing these 5 setters, anything that details Rafa will be music to ears of all his rivals..one competition less.
I doubt Rafa is playing with a bad wrist, I mean it’s a team event, why risk playing poorly because of his wrist and loses to affect the team’s standing against Team World?
It will be selfish to play when you can’t give your best, might as well let your team mate play if he has better chances of winning.
It seems that team event brings out the best in the players – Sock played well to win a singles match, likewise for Tsitsipas and now it seems Sasha is doing well against Isner.
Rafa loves team events, so he’s enjoying himself there. He’s not a child, he knows whether he’s good enough to play or not and will make his own decision; let him enjoys himself cheering for his team and playing for his team if he’s fit.