Novak Djokovic appeared sharp as he thrashed US Open semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe on the Laver Cup in his first look since successful Wimbledon.
Serbia’s Djokovic received the primary set in 23 minutes earlier than finishing a 6-1 6-3 victory to place Europe forward in London.
The previous world primary’s win put Europe right into a 6-4 lead going into Saturday’s ultimate doubles match.
Roger Federer, whose profession got here to an finish within the early hours of Saturday, was on the bench to help Djokovic.
The 41-year-old Swiss was additionally current within the day session, providing recommendation to Britain’s Cameron Norrie and Italy’s Matteo Berrettini throughout their matches.
World quantity eight Norrie misplaced on his Laver Cup debut as American opponent Taylor Fritz received 6-1 4-6 10-8 to go away the groups tied at 4-4 on the midway stage of the three-day occasion.
Earlier, Berrettini had put Europe right into a 4-2 lead with a 7-6 (11-9) 4-6 10-7 win over Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Serbia’s Djokovic had not performed competitively since successful Wimbledon in July, having been prevented from enjoying in america as a result of he isn’t vaccinated in opposition to Covid-19.
“I have never performed for 2 months and I am actually glad to have continued the run, it was a fairly first rate match from my aspect. I am seeing the ball nicely and did not do many issues fallacious,” he stated.
Referring to Federer’s farewell, Djokovic added: “It was a protracted and emotional day yesterday, it was onerous to restart the engine.
“It was one of the crucial lovely moments we’ve skilled stay or on the tennis courts. We have been all taken away by it.”
In a while Saturday, 21-time main singles champion Djokovic groups up with Berrettini in opposition to Group World pair Jack Sock and Alex de Minaur within the doubles.
Every match win is value two factors on Saturday and three factors on Sunday, with the primary staff to earn 13 factors declared the winners.
‘I could not sleep after Federer cried on my shoulder’
Federer was teaching Berrettini through the Italian’s match, which the world quantity 15 described as surreal as a result of the Swiss nice had impressed him to develop into knowledgeable tennis participant.
“It is really bizarre, as a result of whenever you’re on court docket you are not considering, oh my God, Roger is teaching me,” stated 26-year-old Berrettini.
“However then whenever you end the match, you are like, wait, what? Final evening, for instance, one of many the reason why I could not sleep is as a result of Roger had been crying on my shoulder [during his farewell match].”
Federer, 41, performed alongside Rafael Nadal within the doubles as he waved goodbye to his 25-year skilled profession on an emotional evening.
Nadal, whose spouse is anticipating their first little one, solely went to London to play in Federer’s farewell and has now returned to Spain.
Gamers from all sides are often required to play a minimum of one singles match within the annual three-day occasion.
The groups have been stage at 2-2 on the finish of the opening day, when one level was given to every victory, after Federer and Nadal misplaced to American pair Sock and Tiafoe.
Federer’s retirement has been quickened by a knee damage, which meant he was solely match sufficient to play doubles and was changed by Berrettini for the singles.
British primary Norrie, 27, was the second alternate for Group Europe and performed on account of Nadal’s departure.
