Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe secured Team World’s second consecutive Laver Cup title with a thrilling doubles victory over Team Europe’s Andrey Rublev and Hubert Hurkacz. The American duo, who had faced each other earlier this month in the U.S. Open quarter-finals, displayed remarkable teamwork to secure a 7-6(4) 7-6(5) victory.
The final-day triumph propelled captain John McEnroe’s Team World to a total of 13 points, effectively ending any hopes of a Team Europe comeback. Team World had built a commanding 4-0 lead on the opening day of the competition, which they extended to 10-2 by the end of Saturday’s matches.
Team Europe had previously won the first four editions of the Laver Cup, but Team World emerged victorious last year in London, marking the conclusion of Roger Federer’s career.
This year, Federer watched the action as a spectator, witnessing Frances Tiafoe once again contribute to Team World’s success.
Reflecting on the victory, Tiafoe said, “Yeah, it was very special being part of that last year; it was so emotional, for being my first time. Now with Ben, it’s a lot of fun, and I hope you guys have enjoyed the match.”
Ben Shelton, who partnered with Tiafoe in the doubles victory, expressed his enjoyment of the team environment and praised the support they received throughout the week. He said, “It’s been crazy for me; I enjoyed being in a team environment. They did a great job cheering me on all week, and I hope I did a good job cheering them on as well.”
Team World will now aim to defend their title next year when the Laver Cup takes place in Berlin.
