Team World proud despite agonizing defeat

Despite the disappointment of another agonizing Laver Cup defeat, Team World remained proud of their performance in taking Team Europe to a deciding match in Geneva.

Europe took the trophy for the third year running when Alexander Zverev defeated Milos Raonic in the final match for a 13-11 victory.

“Once again, it’s very small margins,” said Team World’s John Isner. 

“I think most importantly we showed that we belonged on that court with that team.

“As everyone knows, we were the big underdogs and we came within a whisker of winning, so I think we proved a lot of people wrong.”

It certainly was not the reason that we lost, because of the crowd – John McEnroe

Team World Captain John McEnroe admitted that this third loss was hard to swallow. 

“This one really hurts,” he said. “They all hurt. We had chances. 

“The first year Nick had a chance to tie it up with a match point. Last year we had opportunities to win. We were so close.

“This time we actually were a point away and we were a tiebreak away. It’s just crazy. It’s just unbelievable that we haven’t won this.”

McEnroe also praised the atmosphere in the Palexpo arena throughout the three days. 

“We have great chemistry and energy, but the energy in the crowd was incredible for both sides,” he said.

“Obviously they are pulling for Team Europe, but they inspired us as well. It was unreal, and so we appreciated it.

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“It certainly was not the reason that we lost, because of the crowd. If anything, I think we played better and were more inspired. So it was an awesome weekend.” 

Jack Sock once again proved to be a key player with wins in both singles and doubles, and he ends the week in second place on the all-time Laver Cup leaderboard behind Roger Federer.

“I like team atmospheres,” said Sock. “I grew up playing sports.

“If you’re American, you grew up playing a lot of team sports. So, we really thrive off them. When you can play a point, I feel like no matter how good or bad you’re playing, you look over, and they are supporting you.

“Then you have both Macs (John McEnroe, captain, Patrick McEnroe, vice captain). They’re fist-pumping and getting you going. I feel you can’t really play bad when you have that going on. Yeah, I thrive in the atmosphere.

“I love a loud crowd whether they are European or for us. I just like the atmosphere.” 

As they left the press-conference room, their red tracksuits covered with each other’s signatures, Team World promised to take revenge next year in Boston in front of their home crowd.