Roger Federer won an epic battle with Australian young gun Nick Kyrgios, saving a match point, to clinch a memorable victory for team Europe in the inaugural Laver Cup.
In what was the start of what looks set to be a special event for the tennis world, the tie went down to the wire thanks to a brilliant fightback by Team World on day three.
Down nine points to three going into the final day, Team World got off to a great start with Jack Sock and John Isner reducing the margin to three points with a straight sets doubles win over Marin Cilic and Tomas Berdych in the first match of the day.
Alexander Zverev then defeated Sam Querry in straight sets to get Team Europe within one point of victory.
But John Isner forced the tie to a deciding match, defeating Rafael Nadal 7-5, 7-6.
Kyrgios and Federer then played out a thrilling final match, with Federer eventually prevailing 4-6, 7-6, 11-9.
Federer recovered from 8-5 down in the Super tiebreak and saved a match point at 9-8, before reeling off the next three points to win and secure Team Europe a 15-9 win on points.
“I'm most proud of these guys – they put fought with their heart and soul and put everything into this,” Team World captain John McEnroe said.
“And we were so, so close to pulling this off.”
The second installment of the Laver Cup will be held in Chicago in 2018.
