Team Europe have defeated Team World 15-9 to win the inaugural Laver Cup. Roger Federer got the decisive win over Nick Kyrgios in Prague, coming from a set down and saving a match point to prevail 4-6 7-6 (8/6) 11-9 in a thrilling three-set match.
Rafa couldn’t be more happier for Roger and he was in high spirits during the match, cheering very loud with Alexander Zverev, Marin Cilic, Dominic Thiem, Tomas Berdych and Fernando Verdasco from the bench.
Rafa Nadal:
Of course if the captain wanted me there, I was ready [to play in the final doubles clash]. But I didn’t want to play and thanks to Roger and the rest of the team that we avoid that situation!
It’s been an unforgettable three days, everyone knows I love a team competition. We had great team spirit and it’s been one of the nicest weeks we’ve had. Well done Team World for a great fight – I’m already looking forward to next year.
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe reacts with Team Europe team mates during the mens singles match between Roger Federer and Nick Kyrgios of Team World on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Thomas Enqvist, Marin Cilic, Fernando Verdasco, Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrate as Roger Federer of Team Europe wins his mens singles match against Nick Kyrgios of Team World on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Thomas Enqvist, Marin Cilic, Fernando Verdasco, Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrate as Roger Federer of Team Europe wins his mens singles match against Nick Kyrgios of Team World on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates with Team Europe team mates during the mens singles match between Roger Federer and Nick Kyrgios of Team World on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Thomas Enqvist, Marin Cilic, Fernando Verdasco, Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrate as Roger Federer of Team Europe wins his mens singles match against Nick Kyrgios of Team World on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Marin Cilic, Fernando Verdasco, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev of Team Europe celebrates with Team Europe team mates during the mens singles match between Roger Federer and Nick Kyrgios of Team World on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Roger Federer of Team Europe celebrates with Rafael Nadal of Team Europe after winning the Laver Cup on match point during his mens singles match against Nick Kyrgios of Team World on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Roger Federer of Team Europe celebrates with Rafael Nadal of Team Europe after winning the Laver Cup on match point during his mens singles match against Nick Kyrgios of Team World on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Roger Federer of Team Europe celebrates with Rafael Nadal and Bjorn Borg of Team Europe after winning the Laver Cup on match point during his mens singles match against Nick Kyrgios of Team World on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Roger Federer of Team Europe celebrates with Rafael Nadal and Bjorn Borg of Team Europe after winning the Laver Cup on match point during his mens singles match against Nick Kyrgios of Team World on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Team Europe celebrates after winning the Laver Cup on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Marin Cilic, Bjorn Borg, Rafael Nadal, Rod Laver, Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev, Tomas Berdych and Dominic Thiem of Team Europe lift the Laver Cup trophy on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Roger Federer of Team Europe celebrates with Rafael Nadal after winning the Laver Cup on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Marin Cilic, Bjorn Borg, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev, Tomas Berdych and Dominic Thiem of Team Europe lift the Laver Cup trophy on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
(L-R) Marin Cilic, Bjorn Borg, Rafael Nadal, Rod Laver, Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev, Tomas Berdych and Dominic Thiem of Team Europe lift the Laver Cup trophy on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
(L-R) Marin Cilic, Bjorn Borg, Rafael Nadal, Rod Laver, Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev, Tomas Berdych and Dominic Thiem of Team Europe lift the Laver Cup trophy on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
(L-R) Marin Cilic, Bjorn Borg,Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych of Team Europe lift the Laver Cup trophy on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
(L-R) Marin Cilic, Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych of Team Europe lift the Laver Cup trophy on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
(L-R) Marin Cilic, Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych of Team Europe lift the Laver Cup trophy on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
(L-R) Marin Cilic, Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych of Team Europe lift the Laver Cup trophy on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Alexander Zverev, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Marin Cilic of Team Europe look at the trophy after winning the Laver Cup on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Alexander Zverev, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych of Team Europe drink champagne after winning the Laver Cup on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Alexander Zverev, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Marin Cilic of Team Europe spray champagne after winning the Laver Cup on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Marin Cilic, Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Bjorn Borg, Thomas Enqvist and Tomas Berdych of Team Europe lift the Laver Cup trophy on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Tomas Berdych, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Thomas Enqvist, Bjorn Borg, Rafael Nadal, Marin Cilic and Roger Federer of Team Europe attend a press conference after winning the Laver Cup trophy on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 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. 23, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
The Laver Cup, in its first year, featured excellent tennis and very close matches in Prague. Chicago will host it in 2018.
Congrats to Rafa and his teammates! Well done, Team Europe!
Sources: Laver Cup, The Independent, metro.co.uk
READ all THE COMMENTS; COULDN’T DISAGREE WITH ANYONE!!!! MY TENNIS FAVORITE IS RAFA, AND IT WAS GREAT SEEING HIM PLAY DOUBLES WITH ROGER!!! SUPERB EVENT; HOPE IT’S REPEATED NEXT YEAR!!!!
Congratulations Rafa. Your game and camaraderie attitude was crucial to team world winning this cup.
Now please forget team work and concentrate on your own game and winning matches finish the year as world no. 1.
Remember Federer is not your friend but your rival who would do anything to beat you.
WAMOS RAFA
What an event!!! I saw you pacing and biting your nails for your team at the last match with federer and kyrios. Now you know what you’ve put me through every. match you played in the padr 12.years!!!!! Love you. Congratulations!!! Tell Fed I think God sits on his shoulder. You are both amazing and bring joy and honor to the sport!!!
love you Rafa always and forever.
Was really fun to wach .so clouse vamosssssssssssss champ is all good and fun 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🇺🇸❤️
Was really loads of fun! Usual heart attack from watching our Rafa. Matches all close, could have gine either way.
Fedal and Rafa cbeerleader most fun to watch!
Celebrate with the team. Vamos Rafa <3
Congratulations Rafa. Your game and camaraderie attitude was crucial to team world winning this cup.
Now please forget team work and concentrate on your own game and winning matches finish the year as world no. 1.
Remember Federer is not your friend but your rival who would do anything to beat you.
WAMOS RAFA