Published 14:58 IST, September 22nd 2018
Kevin Anderson,Jack Sock ruin Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic's doubles debut
Federer and Djokovic were stunned by Kevin Anderson and Jack Sock 6-7, 6-3, 10-6 in the Laver Cup doubles match on Friday.
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The excitement among tennis fans knew no bound, since it was announced that the two tennis greats Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic will be pushing their rivalry aside and will feature on the same of the court for the first time at the 2018 Laver Cup.
However, it was debut partnership to forget for Federer and Djokovic, after they were stunned by their opponents Kevin Anderson and Jack Sock 6-7, 6-3, 10-6 in the Laver Cup doubles match on Friday.
Representing Team World, the duo, who are traditionally singles players, took some time to plug into the doubles format of the game. As the match proceeded they looked to have found their mojo back and went on to win the first set 6-7.
Though, there was a moment in the first set that seemed to have left the audience in splits. The Serbian accidentally hit his partner while serving, the Swiss ace took the incident in his stride and laughed it off.
But soon, their opponents found their rhythm and clawed their way back into the game. Jack Sock’s experience came in handy, hitting some impressive volley shots, while his partner held a strong serve to take the second set 6-3.
The last set was a nail-biting affair with both teams going toe-to-toe against each other. The pressure of having already lost the decider in the previous set seem to have got to Federer, after he double-faulted at 4-4. Anderson made sure to captalise on the nerves and went on the seal the set 10-6.
The doubles game was followed three singles matches earlier in the day, which were won by Team Europe. This was the only loss of the blue team on the night, as they enjoy a lead of 3-1 going into day two.
The competition which is played for the first time on US soil, will be a three-day event starting from Friday. The Laver Cup pits the six of the best ATP players from Team Europe and Team World against each other.
14:15 IST, September 22nd 2018