Team World clean sweep helps them close gap to 7-5 heading into Sunday's final session in Chicago
Sunday 23 September 2018 16:48, UK
Kevin Anderson caused one of the biggest upsets of the Laver Cup so far by beating Novak Djokovic to inspire a Team World fightback in Saturday's night session.
John McEnroe's red side remain just two points behind their European rivals after a clean sweep made it 7-5 in Chicago.
Anderson handed Djokovic a rare defeat as the hard-hitting South African claimed a stunning 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 10-6 victory before Jack Sock and Nick Kyrgios beat Grigor Dimitrov and David Goffin 6-3 6-4 to to climb back into contention at the United Center.
Singles wins for Alexander Zverev and Roger Federer - over John Isner and Kyrgios respectively - earlier in the day had Team Europe firmly in control, as they took a 7-1 lead before the evening matches.
Then, in a repeat of the Wimbledon final, Anderson, the runner-up in July, blasted 17 aces past the world No 3 as his stunning victory shifted the momentum on another dramatic night.
"We've had some really close matches haven't gone our way and I really wanted to put us back in there," Anderson said
"Its not easy playing one of the best players of all time, but what an amazing atmosphere. I felt I played a great match, beating Novak on any stage is great and here in Chicago makes it extra special."
It was another disappointing night for Djokovic, who teamed up with Federer on Friday when the duo suffered a shock doubles loss to Anderson and Sock.
"Unfortunately, two lost matches," Djokovic said. "I gave it my best to beat Kevin. He was playing fantastic."
An energised crowd were then back out in force for the doubles showdown between Sock and Kyrgios and Dimitrov and Goffin.
The American-Australian duo put in a chest-bumping performance to win the doubles-match finale in comfortable fashion.
Team Europe require another six points to retain the title they won in the inaugural competition last year heading into Sunday's final day, when three points per match are up for grabs, with the first team to 13 points lifting the Laver Cup 2018 trophy.
We have every major tennis event covered from all angles via our website skysports.com/tennis. On the move? Head to our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation.
Tennis is back on Sky Sports screens with the Laver Cup in September while we will also have coverage of the ATP Finals in November with every match live on Sky Sports.
