Dominant Djokovic makes no mistakes against Tiafoe to win first match since July
ATP
Novak Djokovic started his 2022 Laver Cup victoriously, winning for Team Europe against Frances Tiafoe.
At the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, Djokovic lifted his 21st Grand Slam title after defeating Nick Kyrgios and he hasn't played since. That changed at the 2022 Laver Cup when the Serbian had one important task: to give Team Europe the lead once again.
In the morning, Matteo Berrettini defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime, but a few hours later, his teammate, Cameron Norrie, lost to Taylor Fritz, who leveled the score of the competition to 4-4 again.
While Djokovic wanted to give his team the lead again, his opponent, Frances Tiafoe, wanted to put Team World in front for the first time this year. However, from the moment the two stepped onto the court, it was obvious that fans in O2 Arena would see a one-man show.
In the first set, Djokovic hit 14 out of 16 first serves and never lost a point on his serve while hitting four aces. Moreover, he hit a total of nine winners and made only one unforced error, so after only 24 minutes, he won the first set 6-1.
The American improved in the second set when he hit a total of 15 winners and only four unforced errors. However, his opponent made only two mistakes and stayed really solid on his serve to win the match 6-1, 6-3.
It was the first win for Djokovic at this year's Laver Cup, and he sent his team into the lead once again with his triumph. Moreover, he can increase the advantage in the last match of Day 2.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion will team up with Matteo Berrettini, and the European duo will play against Alex de Minaur, who got a point for his team against Andy Murray, and Jack Sock, who sent Roger Federer into retirement with a loss.
If Team Europe wins also the doubles match, they will enter Day 3 with a four-point lead and will need only two wins to win the whole competition.
