Analysis: Team Europe showed its hierarchy in the important moments to win the Laver Cup

ATP
Monday, 23 September 2024 at 08:30
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Although Sunday's day looked complicated for the Europeans, starting the day 4-8 on the scoreboard, the players coached by Bjorn Borg showed their best level when it mattered the most. After Medvedev's defeat, there was no margin for error and both Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz played sensational tennis, showing why they are the No. 2 and No. 3 in the world, leading Team Europe to victory in the Laver Cup.
Europe returns to lift the Laver Cup trophy after two years of defeats against Team World. In this edition, and despite the absence of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, the Europeans brought their best players, motivated to bid farewell to their captain, Bjorn Borg, with a new victory.
Despite having players in excellent form and who managed to surprise the stars of the old continent, Team World did not have in its lineup any player in the Top 5 worldwide, and that lack of hierarchy and experience in complicated moments ended up complicating their aspirations.
Although it is true that after a very evenly matched Friday, on Saturday the team captained by John McEnroe gained an important advantage, they did not have the cold blood necessary to finish the job.
Zverev rose from the ashes and defeated Tiafoe in a 2.5 hour epic. The German was able to resist and counterattack the American, who seemed to run out of energy in the super tie break. It was a super important victory for the No. 2, especially because he was able to celebrate with his fans in Berlin.
Then it was Carlos Alcaraz's turn. The Spaniard, winner of 4 Grand Slams, came out to crush Taylor Fritz in the first set. The US Open finalist put up a fight in the second set, but again Alcaraz won all the important points, demoralizing his opponent. When it was his turn to close the match and the championship, the No. 3 did not tremble and sealed the victory for his team.
Team World was a worthy opponent, putting the locals in serious trouble, but in the end the differences in the ranking were noticeable.
Team Europe was in the details, was very efficient in their attacks, reduced the number of errors and hit at the right moments. Both Zverev and Alcaraz were super focused and took advantage of their opponents' downswings without giving any advantages. It is a well-deserved win for an excellent team.

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