Laver Cup: Nadal extends the lead
Rafael Nadal extended the lead for Team Europe on the second day of the Laver Cup in Geneva. The world number two defeated the Canadian Milos Raonic 6: 3, 7: 6 (1).
by Robert M. Frank
last edit: Sep 21, 2019, 09:32 pm
Rafael Nadal (ATP 2) brought Team Europe a step closer to victory at the Laver Cup in Geneva. The 19-time Grand Slam champion won against the 28-year-old Canadian Milos Raonic (ATP 24) from Team World 6: 3, 7: 6 (1) and thus expanded his team's lead to 7: 3.
In the first set, the Spaniard still had his problems against Raonic. The 84-time ATP tournament winner gave the Canadian numerous break opportunities. However, Raonic missed eight ways to take a serve from Nadal. The 33-year-old from Manacor proved to be much more effective on the other side. The reigning US Open champion used his third breakball to make it 4: 3 in the meantime. The former world number one then got this lead and after another break won the first set 6: 3.
The second round was initially equally balanced. When the score was 2: 2, the Raonic service giant was able to take a 3: 2 service from the Spaniard. But Nadal immediately replied with a rebreak. As a result, the left-hander from Mallorca could no longer be confused. After he successfully turned a 0: 30 deficit to a game win at the 4: 4 standpoint with his own service, Nadal did not take the service game from the eight-time ATP tournament winner anymore, but clearly won with 7 after a strong performance in the tie-break: 1.
With the two-set win against Raonic, Team Europe by captain Björn Borg is 7: 3 in front and has the opportunity in the last game of the evening to make a small preliminary decision. Nadal competes again, this time in a double with Stefans Tsitsipas. Nadal / Tsitsipas face Nick Kyrgios and Jack Sock from Team World around Captain John McEnroe.