Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe and co saw to it that John McEnroe’s World Team finished the first day of the Laver Cup undefeated.
This is the first time ever that the international players enjoy an advantage on the first day against their European opponents.
But in Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s absence, the World Team enjoys a comfortable lead of 4-0 in the run-up to the second day’s play in Vancouver.
“It feels very good. Last year we walked away with the cup laurels (13-8) in London for the first time and it would be amazing to repeat the feat on home soil,” said Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Earlier, Federer singled out teamwork as the key to Laver Cup success.
“At the same time, a player must also be prepared to listen to the advice of players who have previously failed in the tournament,” said the Swiss tennis legend.
Federer was part of the European team that walked away with the laurels in 2017, 2018 and 2019, while his last professional match was also in Laver Cup colours.
He also enjoys the doubles matches.
“There are usually player combinations that we haven’t seen before. For example, I would love Hubert Hurkacz and Andrey Rublev to play together, while Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe could also be good teammates.
“I love the superstar combinations. It’s very exciting.”
Teams:
Europe: Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud, Hubert Hurkacz, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Arthur Fils, Gael Monfils and Bjorn Borg (captain).
World: Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Ben Shelton, Francisco Cerundolo and John McEnroe (captain).
Results:
Ben Shelton beat Arthur Fils 7-6 and 6-1
Francisco Cerundolo beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3 and 7-5
Felix Auger-Aliassime beat Gael Monfils 6-4 and 6-3
Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul beat Andrey Rublev and Arthur Fils 6-3, 4-6 and 10-6
Terms:
Andrey Rublev vs. Taylor Fritz
Casper Ruud against Tommy Paul
Hubert Hurkacz vs. Frances Tiafoe
Hubert Hurkacz and Gael Monfils against Felix Auger-Aliassime and Ben Shelton.
