ROGER FEDERER AND Rafael Nadal came together as a doubles pair for the first time to help Europe into a 9-3 lead over the World team on the second day of the Laver Cup in Prague.
The pair, who boast 35 grand slam titles between them, required a tie-break to beat American duo Jack Sock and Sam Querrey and claim two precious points for their team.
Federer and Nadal had won the opening set 6-4, before their less illustrious opponents comfortably secured the second 6-1.
The Swiss and Spaniard’s experience came to the fore in the tie-break, though, as they prevailed 10-5.
Earlier in the day Nadal had also needed a tie-break to edge past Sock 6-3 3-6 11-9 in their thrilling singles rubber. Nadal’s 50 per cent win rate on his second serve was decisive, with Sock only able to register 18 per cent.
Federer enjoyed a more routine triumph over Querrey in their encounter as he breezed past this year’s Wimbledon semi-finalist 6-4 6-2.
The World team’s only points of the day came courtesy of Nick Kyrgios, who faced a tough – and sometimes tempestuous battle – against home favourite Tomas Berdych.
Kyrgios defeated the Czech 6-4 6-7 (7-4) 10-6, but the match will likely remembered for another outburst from the 22-year-old Australian towards the umpire.
Sunday marks the final day of the inaugural tournament, with the reward for wins rising from two to three points.
Subscribe to The42 podcasts here:
