World poised on title hat-trick in Berlin

A comeback 6-7 (6), 7-5, 10-7 win by Ben Shelton over Daniil Medvedev put team World just one victory away from a third straight trophy at the Laver Cup on Sunday’s concluding day.

The American made up for Saturday’s loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the Europe v World competition brought to life by Roger Federer’s management company in 2017.

Europe, with Federer onside, won the first four editions but has lost the last two to World.

With Sunday victories counting three points, a win from Frances Tiafoe over Alexander Zverev would clinch another weekend win for John Mcenroe’s side.

World currently hold a lead of 11 points to seven, with Europe’s Alcaraz and Casper Ruud keeping their squad in the chase through a defeat of Shelton and Tiafoe in doubles 6-2 7-6 (6)..

““I wanted to redeem myself after this morning,” Shelton said. “I lost my singles yesterday and I didn’t want to come out of here winless, 

“I thought I was playing too well. I really used my guys on the bench today, and the captain John of course really helped me get over the line.” 

Medvedev, a former US Open champion, went down to his second loss of the weekend after dropping his opening singles against Tiafoe.

Medvedev saved a pair of set points before winning the first but could not successfully combat the Shelton fightback, with the American saving four break points against his serve.