Alexander Zverev gave up the leadership of Team Europe at the Laver Cup in Chicago alongside Roger Federer. Federer/Zverev lost against the American doubles with Jack Sock and John Isner 6:4, 6:7 (2) and 9:11.
Again the audience in Chicago got to see a premiere on the black underground. With Alexander Zverev and Roger Federer on the same side of the net, a great double was in the offing on the day of the Laver Cup.
Federer/Zverev competed for Team Europe against John Isner and Jack Sock from the USA. Before the doubles match, Team Europe led 7:5 against Team Welt, who were under pressure. In the premiere double in the blue jersey Federer and Zverev played harmoniously together and could rely on their own service games.
On the other side, however, US Open double winner Jack Sock and service giant John Isner were a big challenge. The 36-year-old and his 15 year younger partner got a better start for Team Europe and quickly took the lead with a break and 2:1. Federer/Zverev did not want to miss the lead any more and served out after 28 minutes to the deserved 6:4.
The second movement was tighter and Isner/Sock found a better rhythm. Both teams acted strongly at their own serve and break points were looked for in vain in the bulging arena in Chicago.
Up to 6:6 Federer/Zverev and Isner/Sock healed themselves harmless and the decision was sought in the tiebreak, which was opened by Team Welt. Captain John McEnroe’s team got off to a strong start and took a 5-1 mini-break lead. The comfortable lead should be enough for the Americans to equalize the sets 7:6 (2).
The match tiebreak was hard to beat and all four players on the court showed great double tennis. Isner/Sock scored the decisive point at 9:9 and fended off a match point shortly before.
With the victory on Sunday, Team Welt scored three points for the overall standings and thus took the lead in Chicago for the first time (13 points are needed for overall victory). With the 8:7 lead, McEnroe’s team can get to one point to win the title in their next match.