Laver Cup 2023: Team World complete Team Europe demolition to defend title in Canada

ByEurosport

Updated 25/09/2023 at 08:52 GMT

Just two years ago, Team World fell to a 14-1 defeat to Team Europe in the Laver Cup. But the tables have now truly turned, with John McEnroe's squad defending their title with a commanding 13-2 win in Canada. 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.

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Team World defended their Laver Cup crown with a dominant 13-2 victory over Team Europe.

The holders arrived on court on Sunday knowing that just one win from the four scheduled matches would be enough, with Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton coming through two tight tie-breaks in the doubles to secure victory at the first time of asking.

Hubert Hurkacz and Andrey Rublev teamed up against the US duo of Shelton and Tiafoe, representing Team World, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.

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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 claim 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.

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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 as they established an unassailable lead.