Tennis – Europe tops Laver Cup despite defeat against starring duo

(Reuters) – The European team took the 3-1 lead over Team World on Friday in the Laver Cup, while Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic were defeated by defending champions on day one in Chicago. . Friday.

Jack Sock and Kevin Anderson both won their team's first triumph, beating second and third place World 6-7 (5) 6-3 (10-6) to block Team Europe's shutout.

All eyes were on longtime rivals Federer and Djokovic, who took the field for the final match, joining forces to play together for the first time after Team Europe won the first three singles matches.

The early chemistry took a long time to develop for both players, and Djokovic accidentally hit Federer in the back of the head in the third match, but the duo of stars proved strong enough to win the first set of a tie-break.

Sock and Anderson found their rhythm in the second set, blowing five of their eight aces, before the duo took advantage of Federer's double fault at 4-4 in the tiebreaker at the 10-point match . .

Europe had already established their advantage in singles victories for Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, Britain's Kyle Edmund and Belgium's David Goffin.

Dimitrov made the opening game with a 6-1 6-4 victory over American Frances Tiafoe before her team-mates were forced to dig deeper for their victories.

"It's really amazing," Dimitrov told reporters. "Usually, we are always against each other and now, these guys encourage me. It's a nice feeling and I think it's good for you to see that.

Edmund defeated Sock 6-4 5-7 (10-6) despite difficulties with his serve and four double faults before Goffin scored 6-4 4-6 (11-9). ) triumph over Argentina's Diego Schwartzman.

Schwartzman struggled from a 5-1 deficit in the decisive break-off to a 7-7 level before Goffin retired.

"It was an incredible atmosphere," said Goffin. "I had to stay focused."

The second day will be marked by three other simple clashes, including Federer – Nick Kyrgios, and an extra doubles match, with two points for any win.

Sunday's four games are worth three points each with the first team to reach 13 championship points after Europe won the inaugural event last year with a 15-9 lead in Prague.