sport news Frances Tiafoes clinches first ever Laver Cup triumph for Team World trends now
Right to the end of an emotional three days Roger Federer was ever the competitor, admitting that a shock defeat for his Team Europe at the Laver Cup had been a sting in the tail.
'I don't like losing, it's not fun, it leaves a bad taste,' said the Swiss legend, following a 13-8 reverse that saw his side lose this event for the first time in five editions.
Federer will be back soon enough, and is sure to be around in some capacity at next year's event when it moves on to visit Vancouver. He denied there were any immediate plans to take over as Europe captain, and Bjorn Borg said he will stay in the role for a year before stepping down.
Frances Tiafoe battled back from a set down to triumph against Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday
Team World raced on to the court to celebrate with Tiafoe after winning their first Laver Cup
Quite what he brings to the position, aside from prestige, is something of a mystery. He was powerless to stop Sunday's three defeats which completely switched the outcome.
The Swede seems to act more like a deck-chair attendant than coach on the courtside team bench, with the players stepping in to offer colleagues whatever advice is needed.
The sight and sound of great players such as Novak Djokovic giving pearls of wisdom to their usual rivals is arguably the best feature of the event, and part of its superb presentation. Whether that translates into genuine substance remains a moot point.
Regardless of that, there was no doubt the players have bought into it, nor any question that World captain John McEnroe was ecstatic at the outcome.
'I love everybody, baby!' he bellowed after American Frances Tiafoe had been the hero in clinching the win.
Felix Auger-Aliassime punched the air during his win against Novak Djokovic in the Laver Cup
After being immersed in tears over Federer's retirement, the superstars of Europe were left merely glum-faced after going down six matches to five, irrespective of points
