World No. 1 Rafael Nadal kept Team Europe in firm control of the Laver Cup with a 6-3, 3-6, 11-9 victory over Jack Sock.
Match wins are worth two points today, meaning Rafa’s victory moves Europe into a 7-1 lead.
Rafa will return to center court for Europe in tonight’s highly anticipated doubles with Roger Federer against Sam Querrey and Jack Sock.
After the match, Rafa said:
It’s going to be very special for the fans for me and Roger to be together on the same part of the court.
The third match today features Tomas Berdych against Nick Kyrgios.
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates winning a point during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe and Jack Sock of Team World enter the arena on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe plays a backhand during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe plays a forehand during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates winning a point during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates winning a point during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe serves during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe serves during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates winning a point during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe plays a backhand during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe plays a backhand during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe plays a backhand during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe plays a backhand during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe and Bjorn Borg, Captain of Team Europe d during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates winning a point during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates winning a point during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates winning a point during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates winning a point during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates winning a point during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates winning a point during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe reacts during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Marin Cilic, Alexander Zverev, Roger Federer, Dominic Thiem and Tomas Berdych of Team Europe support Rafael Nadal of Team Europe as he plays his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Marin Cilic, Alexander Zverev, Roger Federer, Dominic Thiem and Tomas Berdych of Team Europe support Rafael Nadal of Team Europe as he plays his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Marin Cilic, Alexander Zverev, Roger Federer, Dominic Thiem and Tomas Berdych of Team Europe support Rafael Nadal of Team Europe as he plays his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Marin Cilic, Alexander Zverev, Roger Federer, Dominic Thiem and Tomas Berdych of Team Europe support Rafael Nadal of Team Europe as he plays his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates at the net after winning his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates at the net after winning his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates at the net after winning his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates at the net after winning his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates at the net after winning his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates after winning his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates winning match point during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates with Bjorn Borg, Captain of Team Europe after winning his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates winning match point during his singles match against Jack Sock of Team World on Day 2 of the Laver Cup on September 23, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Sept. 22, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
As much as I hope that Rafa”s team wins, I hope that team world with sandwich big mac as captain loses.
What kind of coaching is it when you call a rival player “son of a bitch”? He dared yell that to Sock to “finish off the son of a bitch” Rafa during their match. Fortunately Rafa finished off Sock.
In an ideal world McEnroe would be barred from coaching. Never respected him when he was a rude spoilt brat, dislike him all the more as hooliganism provoking captain team world.
Wamos Rafa you are the best.
YAAAAAY, RAFA!!!
what time for the U.S.A. and is it going to be on T.V. I wouldn’t want to miss this game with Rafa and Roger on the same court and side. It will be amazing
Can’t wait to see Rafa and Roger on the same side of the court.
That was great to watch, although nerve-wracking! I think Rafa might have felt he let the team down if he’d lost, and he wasn’t going to let that happen.
I’m really enjoying this event. Seeing the other players and the captains on court is fascinating, especially Johnny Mac’s talk to Jack Sock. Wow. And Rafa watching himself on the TV in the tunnel – too cute 🙂
Can’t wait for tonight! Hopefully Roger will be a better partner for Rafa.
Jas, I was trying to like your comments and hit dislike by mistake! So sorry since I totally agree with you. I did not know what to expect, but I have loved every minute of the LC. You can see how serious the players are taking it. I love the black court and the monochrome ball kids and background. Just first class in every way.
Hi Jas,
Do you mean you liked big mac calling Rafa “son of a bitch”?
What kind of team captaini calls a rival player “son of a bitch”? He dared yell that to Sock to “finish off the son of a bitch” Rafa during their match. Fortunately Rafa finished off Sock.
In an ideal world McEnroe would be barred from coaching. Never respected him when he was a rude spoilt brat, dislike him all the more as hooliganism provoking captain team world.
Wamos Rafa
Bravo Rafael! What a great event for players and fans🤗Great way to honour Rod Laver. Players are enjoying event, and it will be a treat to see Roger and Rafael team up😜
That super tie break was so close. I was almost too frightened to look. I would have hated it if Fed had won his singles and Rafa had lost. Hopefully Rafa won’t be too tired for his doubles match . He and Fed have never played doubles together before and it is a match everyone is waiting for so hopefully they can put on a great show where they can bring their special talents together as a doubles team.
The difference in their styles will make it exciting to watch as they both contribute their individual strengths to gain points.
Absolutely terrific & electrifying match . Roger was sublime too . Great atmosphere
Awesome Rafa