Legends United: Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer Earn Laver Cup Triumph
09/21/2023 02:50 AM
Thirteen years after kicking off their incredible rivalry, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer stood on the same side of the court at the 2017 Laver Cup in Prague. Two legends formed the doubles squad for Team Europe, battling against Jack Sock and Sam Querrey. It was the last match of the second day of action in Prague, and Nadal and Federer prevailed 6-4, 1-6, 10-5, sending Team Europe 9-3 in front ahead of the final day. The world's best players claimed the opener before losing ground in the second set. However, they recovered in the match tie break, winning it 10-5 and celebrating for the first time together. Sam and Jack gave their best, eager to reduce the deficit and keep Team World in contention ahead of Sunday. The Americans faced one break point in the opening set, controlling the pace after that but missing their chances.
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer played the doubles at the 2017 Laver Cup.Nadal and Federer denied seven out of nine break chances, losing serve two times in the second set but making a fresh start in the match tie break. Rafa and Roger built an 8-1 advantage, bringing the victory home. They kicked off the action with six comfortable holds, with Sock serving at 3-3. Roger played well at the net and secured a break that sent Team Europe 4-3 ahead. Rafa served in game eight to confirm the break, facing four break points. He and Roger stayed calm, erasing them and bringing the game home to open a 5-3 gap. Jack pressured the legends with some fine strokes from the baseline.
However, he and Sam failed to make that final push and break back. Federer served out for the set in game ten for 6-4 after 39 minutes, moving the winners of 35 Major crowns a set away from the triumph. Suddenly, the magic disappeared, and they struggled in the second set. On the other hand, Querrey and Sock raised their level to get the advantage from the baseline and at the net. They broke Nadal in game four and stole Federer's serve two games later, wrapping up the set 6-1 in 29 minutes and introducing the match tie break. Federer and Nadal found their drive again, creating an 8-1 gap with three mini-breaks and building a massive advantage. The Americans bounced back to 5-9, but that was all they could do. Rafa and Roger grabbed the 15th point to seal the deal and start a massive celebration of their first and only doubles victory.
