Fritz provides finishing touch to World title hat-trick

Taylor Fritz defeated his second top 3 opponent of the weekend to clinch a third straight Laver Cup title for Team World as the competition wrapped up in San Francisco.

Former US Open finalist Fritz defeated ATP No. 3 Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (4) in the dramatic last match to end the weekend 15-9 in World’s favour.

“Everybody played a part in making this one of the most memorable weeks I’ve ever spent on a tennis court,” World captain Andre Agassi said.

“Just unflappable. They never stopped believing. They laid their heart on the line. On paper, a lot of people said they didn’t see an inroad to pulling this off, but we shocked the world.”

A silver-haired world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, also a Fritz victim here, had pulled Europe closer as he beat Francisco Cerundolo 6-2, 6-1 before Fitz slammed the door shut a few hours later.

“Just seeing these guys on the bench getting pumped up, seeing a legend of the sport like Andre jumping out of his seat cheering for me, it’s impossible not to be so fired up and just give it everything you have,” Fritz said

 The victory marked a successful debut as captain for Andre Agassi. His opposite number, Frenchman Yannick Noah, accepted defeat.

“We lost against a better team. They played great. We represented the Laver Cup the best we could, and it was a great level of tennis.”

On the last day of the three-day event, Alex de Minaur earned a World win, beating Czech debutant Jakub Mensik 6-3, 6-4. 

“I’m so used to fighting off break points on my serve. I do that for a living,” the Australian said after saving five. 

“It’s a great team event. I do my best every time I step on the court and I’m glad I was able to get a couple of wins for Team World this weekend.” 

Main photo:- Team USA celebrate Laver Cup victory ©Laver Cup