Laver Cup 2022 LIVE: Reaction as Roger Federer in tears after last match alongside Rafael Nadal

Follow live updates as Roger Federer bids farewell to tennis and plays the final match of his career alongside Rafael Nadal in the Laver Cup. Federer, who will go down as perhaps the greatest champion in tennis history, will retire from the sport at the age of 41 and the moment has brought the sport and his rivals together at the O2 Arena.

Federer’s wish to play his final match with his great rival Nadal was granted, but it ended in defeat after a thrilling battle with Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe, which the Team World pair 4-6 7-6 (11-9) won a deciding tiebreak.

“It’s been an incredible day,” an emotional Federer said. “I said to the guys, I’m happy, not sad. It feels like a celebration to me. It was exactly as I hoped for.”

Before tonight’s doubles, three singles matches were played. Casper Ruud won the opening match of the day against Sock 6-4 5-7 (10-7), and was followed by Stefanos Tsitsipas crushing Diego Schwartzman 6-2 6-1 to double Europe’s lead.

However, the match was overshadowed by a bizarre climate change protest in which a man set his arm on fire while on court, while wearing a t-shirt that read: “End UK Private Jets”.

Murray then faced Alex De Minaur, as Team World got their first point after a lengthy 5- 7 6-3 (10-7) victory, before the eyes of the world focus on Federer for a final time and the Swiss brought his legendary career to a close. Follow live updates of the opening day of the Laver Cup, below:

Laver Cup 2022 LIVE: Latest updates from Federer’s final tournament

• Federer beaten in final match alongside Nadal as Team World win deciding tiebreak

• Andy Murray beaten on Laver Cup debut by Alex De Minaur (2-1)

• Stefanos Tsitsipas thrashes Diego Schwartzman (2-0)

• Casper Ruud wins opening match for Europe against Jack Sock (1-0)

• Play interrupted by climate change protester who set arm on fire

• How does the Laver Cup work and what are the teams?

• Laver Cup order of play and tournament schedule

• Federer retires as tennis’s greatest champion ahead of final goodbye

• ‘It’s going to be special’: Federer retirement brings rivals together

Laver Cup 2022: Reaction following Federer’s last match

00:41 , Jamie Braidwood

Federer signs off: “It’s been a fantastic night. Thank you everybody.”

Rafael Nadal is in tears too. Who isn’t.

Laver Cup 2022: Reaction following Federer’s last match

00:37 , Jamie Braidwood

“It is amazing. I didn’t want to feel lonely out there. I always felt like a team player, singles doesn’t let you do that. Being on the team with the guys, it’s been a pleasure.

“It feels like a celebration to me. It was exactly as I hoped for.

“It’s been a perfect journey. I would do it all over again.”

Federer tears up speaking about his family and what their support has meant for him.

“It’s been so much fun over the past 13 years,” he says. “They have been so supportive. I could have stopped long ago but they kept me going.”

Laver Cup 2022: Reaction following Federer’s last match

00:35 , Jamie Braidwood

Roger Federer: “We’ll get through this somehow. It’s been an incredible day. I said to the guys, I’m happy, not sad.

“Everything was for the last time. I didn’t feel stress, even if I thought something might go, a calf, my back. I made it through.

“It was a fun match. Playing with Rafa, having the guys here. Having Rod Laver. Thank you.”

Laver Cup 2022: Reaction following Federer’s last match

00:32 , Jamie Braidwood

“Roger, Roger!” rings out around the O2 - as the lights dim, there is a video montage of tributes and highlights.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 6-4 6-7 (9-11) Sock / Tiafoe - Game, set and match!

00:30 , Jamie Braidwood

There are special scenes as Federer hugs every member of Team Europe, then Team World, and then thanks Nadal, Djokovic and Murray all out on court.

No one has left the O2 as tennis comes together to thank Roger Federer.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 6-4 6-7 (9-11) Sock / Tiafoe - Game, set and match!

00:23 , Jamie Braidwood

It will be Federer to serve... It’s wide and long... Tiafoe then moves in on the backhand and Federer nets! Incredible drama! We’re level at 9-9!

Wow - Nadal ducks out the way as Tiafoe cracks a forehand down the line, around the body! Now it’s Team World with match point.

And that’s it! Sock exchanges crosscourt forehands with Federer, before finishing with the winner down the line!

Federer’s career ends in defeat, but that will not be the memory of tonight.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 6-4 6-7 Sock / Tiafoe - Tiebreak

00:19 , Jamie Braidwood

Oof. Sock crushes the forehand at Federer, who can’t pick it up from the net.

VOLLEY from Federer! He read Sock’s passing shot and leapt to his right, before turning it around on the angle! It’s level at 7-7!

Tiafoe cracks a forehand at Federer, catching him on the arm! There are some boos but the World lead again, 8-7.

Nadal then wheels around in celebration as Tiafoe nets on the backhand! Level again at 8-8. Tiafoe nets again on the forehand, and it’s match point to Federer and Nadal!

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 6-4 6-7 Sock / Tiafoe - Tiebreak

00:14 , Jamie Braidwood

Remarkable! Sock somehow hits a winner on the run, which Tiafoe can’t quite believe. It moves the World ahead, but Tiafoe then drops a volley into the net. It was a chance, but Sock makes ammends with a slipping volley. The World lead 5-4.

Nadal finds the space at the back of the court to hit back and level at the net! ACE from Federer down the middle! Europe lead 6-5.

But the return goes long, and we are level again.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 6-4 6-7 Sock / Tiafoe - Tiebreak

00:09 , Jamie Braidwood

Nadal wheels around and roars as puts away two smashes and he and Federer take a 3-0 lead! That gets everyone on their feet.

Federer’s return finds the net, and then Nadal goes long! Federer then can’t control Sock’s driven pass and the World strike back to level at 3-3.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 6-4 6-7 Sock / Tiafoe - World win second set!

00:06 , Jamie Braidwood

Ah, an uncomfortable silence follows Federer putting a forehand long and then volley into the net, setting up three set points for Tiafoe and Sock. On the run, Federer can’t keep his forehand in play and Team World strike level.

We will now play a deciding tiebreak.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 6-4 6-6 Sock / Tiafoe - Tiebreak!

23:59 , Jamie Braidwood

Federer thinks he’s kicked it off with an ace - but he’s denied by the let! Tiafoe puts away the winner off the second serve. Tiafoe’s backhand then catches out Nadal, who can’t flick his reply over the net.

As the clock strikes midnight, Europe get off the board thanks to Federer - but Nadal then puts one long and the World lead 3-1.

Nadal gets the better of the sharp exchange at the net, but then steps in and put a backhand on the stretch long of the baseline. World lead 4-2 at the change.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 6-4 6-6 Sock / Tiafoe - Tiebreak!

23:57 , Jamie Braidwood

Big moments, these, and Djokovic raises his arm as Federer’s passing shot catches Tiafoe at the net. Nadal then pushes one wide, but Federer and Nadal sense their opportunity and again get the better of the net exchange.

Tiafoe then raises his arms in apology as a volley trickles over the net-cord. Tiafoe then plants an overhead into the feet of Federer - and it brings the tiebreak!

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 6-4 6-5 Sock / Tiafoe*

23:52 , Jamie Braidwood

Tiafoe silences the O2 once again with a winner, catching the baseline, but Nadal powers his forehand into his feet.

Brilliant play at the net from both pairs, but it’s Sock who finds the angle to send the winner! Nadal and Federer save another break point, before Tiafoe frames one skyward

Finally, as Sock puts Nadal’s serve into the net, they ensure they have made it to the tiebreak at least.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 6-4 5-5 Sock / Tiafoe*

23:47 , Jamie Braidwood

Excellent play from Tiafoe, pushing Nadal deep onto his backhand and then cutting a volley in between Nadal and Federer.

It’s 0-30 on the Nadal serve, and then the Spaniard clips the net-cord to bring up three break points for the Americans.

The first two are saved, before Tiafoe pushes a backhand long and Europe claw themselves back to deuce.

Tiafoe misfires again - setting up a chance for Nadal to serve this out, but Sock responds with a forehand winner past Federer at the net!

Nadal then throws a double fault into the net, but Federer splits Tiafoe and Sock with the smash from mid-court!

Back to deuce.

Laver Cup 2022: *Federer / Nadal 6-4 5-5 Sock / Tiafoe

23:40 , Jamie Braidwood

Team World get off to a strong start behind Tiafoe’s serve but Nadal puts on the pressure with a dipping forehand into Sock’s feet, getting Europe back to 30-30.

Nadal then attacked an inviting ball on his forehand, but puts it wide! Tiafoe and Sock get the hold and take this on.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 6-4 5-4 Sock / Tiafoe*

23:35 , Jamie Braidwood

Impressive defence from Nadal and Federer, but Tiafoe blasts his way through to get to 30-30. Nadal then grunts as Tiafoe goes long but as Federer finds the lines with a kicker out wide, Nadal nets with the volley. Sock then throws a backhand beyond the baseline and Federer and Nadal greet the hold with a high-five.

It was at this stage where Federer and Nadal broke to take the set in the opening set.

Laver Cup 2022: *Federer / Nadal 6-4 4-4 Sock / Tiafoe

23:32 , Jamie Braidwood

Two quick holds of serve follow. Federer’s has been very impressive, while Sock steadies his and Tiafoe’s chances at 4-4. Can anyone get the breakthrough or are we heading for a decider?

Laver Cup 2022: *Federer / Nadal 6-4 3-3 Sock / Tiafoe

23:23 , Jamie Braidwood

This is why that last hold was so important for Europe - suddenly Tiafoe and Sock find themselves facing double break point as Tiafoe’s serve goes missing. There’s a mix-up at the net, but it seems as if the ball struck the court twice from Nadal’s volley - and Europe break! Tiafoe isn’t too happy about it. I’m sure McEnroe approves.

Laver Cup 2022: *Federer / Nadal 6-4 2-3 Sock / Tiafoe

23:18 , Jamie Braidwood

Point of the match from Nadal! It’s a stunner, a sliding backhand winner down the line and around the net that has everyone on their feet. Even Federer would have been proud of that one.

Europe get the hold to steady themselves in the second set.

Laver Cup 2022: *Federer / Nadal 6-4 1-3 Sock / Tiafoe

23:14 , Jamie Braidwood

Sock bounces his racket off the court in frustration as Team World immediately hand Nadal and Federer two break back chances. Nadal had just gone wide with the backhand, and then goes long.

It looked as if Sock and Taifoe got in each other’s way - but then Federer comes in to take the ball over Nadal - putting the forehand wide!

Deuce is followed by another break point chance - Federer runs around the backhand, but he sends it wide! Tiafoe finishes it with a lovely volley, before Sock drops a ball dead on the European’s side.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 6-4 1-2 Sock / Tiafoe*

23:07 , Jamie Braidwood

Suddenly a tricky moment for Europe at 0-30, as Nadal pushes a forehand wide. Nadal goes wayward again and World are met with three break points.

Nadal finds the open space to save the first, and then the second with an ace - but as Federer stretches for a volley at the net, he can’t keep it in play.

Tiafoe and Sock edge ahead.

Laver Cup 2022: *Federer / Nadal 6-4 1-1 Sock / Tiafoe

23:02 , Jamie Braidwood

Superb play from Nadal and Federer! Nadal’s forehand did the work, before Federer steps in with the volley - Tiafoe can’t reply and Djokovic raises his arms in appreciation.

It brings 30-30 but Tiafoe gets out of trouble on his serve - a huge weapon.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 6-4 1-0 Sock / Tiafoe*

23:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Federer’s serve remains as tricky as ever to read and Team World have yet to get close to it. As Federer and Nadal close out an opening hold, Tiafoe almost takes off Nadal’s head with a forehand that goes long.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 6-4 Sock / Tiafoe - Europe win the fist set!

22:54 , Jamie Braidwood

Superb from Nadal! He opens up the court wonderfully to give Europe a chance at 40-30, following strong serving from Tiafoe.

Federer then leaps on a forehand, firing it at Sock, and it gets Europe to deuce.

Tiafoe leaves one short and as Federer puts it away, suddenly it’s set point! Federer whips the forehand into the court following the return, and the American pair net!

Just like that, Federer and Nadal lead!

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 5-4 Sock / Tiafoe*

22:48 , Jamie Braidwood

Sock lands a backhand winner down the line and Team World sense the first opportunity of the match at 30-30. Tiafoe then steps in, cutting off Nadal, and the Spaniard puts the backhand into the net.

Break point, but the ball sits up for Federer and he puts away the smash! Tiafoe then nets on the return, and Federer seals the hold with a smart volley at the net!

Laver Cup 2022: *Federer / Nadal 4-4 Sock / Tiafoe

22:43 , Jamie Braidwood

Tiafoe plays a beautiful fading volley at the net as Team World move level again. The Americans are certainly not being daunted by the stage.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 4-3 Sock / Tiafoe*

22:39 , Jamie Braidwood

Federer with the flying volley! It moves Europe up into game point, Nadal steps in to limit the backcourt rally, eventually getting the better of a quick exchange at the net with Tiafoe.

Laver Cup 2022: *Federer / Nadal 3-3 Sock / Tiafoe

22:36 , Jamie Braidwood

Neither team is able to make much of an impact on the return game as yet. Tiafoe and Sock hold fairly comfortably as Federer takes his turn to serve.

Here is that remarkable shot from earlier.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 3-2 Sock / Tiafoe*

22:31 , Jamie Braidwood

Quick hands again from Federer! He meets the passing shot from Sock and finds the open space in court to dispatch it. Nadal then follows it in, as Europe take the hold.

Laver Cup 2022: *Federer / Nadal 2-2 Sock / Tiafoe

22:26 , Jamie Braidwood

A couple of loose shots from the dream team, as Federer puts the forehand long and then Nadal misses at the net. Tiafoe catches Federer with a drop volley, and then Nadal nets.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 2-1 Sock / Tiafoe*

22:22 , Jamie Braidwood

Federer’s first serve finds the net but then he catches out Sock with a kicker, with Nadal helping out too with quick touches at the net. Federer sends another kicker out wide, before threading the winner in between Sock and Tiafoe!

But what’s this? John McEnroe is pointing to a hole the size of a tennis ball at the corner of the net! And that’s exactly what Federer put it through!

Still, Europe get their hold - but that was a funny moment. Federer looking sharp on the serves too.

Laver Cup 2022: *Federer / Nadal 1-1 Sock / Tiafoe

22:18 , Jamie Braidwood

Sock almost catches Federer with a smash, which is bold, but we want this to be competitive of course.

Nadal puts a volley wide before Tiafoe seals the World’s hold with an ace down the middle. Tiafoe said this before, but they are here to win tonight.

Here comes Federer to serve.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal 1-0 Sock / Tiafoe*

22:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Here we go! Nadal will serve to get us going, he and Federer whisper at the back of the court - and there’s a second serve ace from Nadal! Or so we thought, it’s out.

It’s 0-15 early but here comes Federer with the volley at the net! Both players are playing high, and now Nadal strikes!

Team World then fire wide and Federer and Nadal get on the board.

*Denotes next server

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal vs Sock / Tiafoe

22:07 , Jamie Braidwood

There is a speedy warm-up, as Federer’s name and career achievements are read out to the O2. It’s after 10, but no one has left the arena.

A huge roar for Nadal follows. We are moments away.

Europe will serve first. We will play best of three sets, with a first to 10 tiebreak if the first two sets are split.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer / Nadal vs Sock / Tiafoe

22:06 , Jamie Braidwood

Listen to that roar! Federer and Nadal meet Tiafoe and Sock at the net and then spring away, leaping towards the baseline for the warm-ups.

Laver Cup 2022: Federer plays last match alongside Nadal

22:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Right, here we go. It’s what we’ve waited all day for and the moment has finally arrived.

For the final time, Roger Federer will step out onto the professional tennis court, and he will do so alongside his great rival and friend Rafael Nadal.

Here they come! Matching uniforms, matching bandanas, it’s an iconic sight with two of the greatest players of all time teaming up on such a historic occasion. What an iconic sight.

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray 7-5 3-6 (7-10) Alex De Minaur - Game, set and match!

21:51 , Jamie Braidwood

At two hours, 28 minutes, that will surely be the longest match of the tournament. De Minaur’s win means Team World get their first point of the Laver Cup.

“I just wanted to do everything I could to get a win for my team,” De Minaur says. “I just about get there. There weren’t many tactics out there, it was a battle.”

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray 7-5 3-6 (7-10) Alex De Minaur - Game, set and match!

21:46 , Jamie Braidwood

Again, Murray hangs one up, but De Minaur blinks on it - sending the forehand wide! Another lifeline for Murray.

No! Nadal has his head in his hands! Murray slumps the drop shot into the net. That was not the choice. 6-8 to De Minaur.

A good serve. A finish. That’ll do. 7-8.

Ah, Murray looks to have put one long from the baseline. He challenges, but hawkeye confirms it. 7-9.

Matchpoint De Minaur. He produces a brilliant serve and Murray can only put the return into the net. There’s a nice exchange between the players.

That was a match of great effort but De Minaur in the end just had too much in the tank.

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray 7-5 3-6 Alex De Minaur - Tiebreak

21:42 , Jamie Braidwood

Super from Murray! A wonderfully constructed point sees him meet De Minaur’s pass at the net before showing lovely touch. Team Europe are on their feet again.

But, speaking of touch, De Minaur pulls Murray in with a lovely drop shot that Murray just can’t reach.

It’s followed by a gift as De Minaur frames one badly - neither player has been able to get a run together yet.

No! There’s another long rally but Murray fires wide after staying alive in the point. De Minaur creeps ahead 6-4.

That’s better! Murray plants the winner into the corner on the full volley. If he could just get level it would put pressure on De Minaur.

Wow, that is gutsy from the Australian! He skips as a drop shot just trickles over the net. There wasn’t much in that. He leads 7-5 at the change.

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray 7-5 3-6 Alex De Minaur - Tiebreak

21:35 , Jamie Braidwood

The momentum is with De Minaur - but can Murray find one last strain of effort? De Minaur gets off to a great start on serve, putting away the forehand winner.

Amazing - these players can be so similar at times. De Minaur keeps the point alive as Murray can’t put the smash away, but De Minaur nets on the volley.

Murray then loses the mini-break as his drive volley from mid-court goes long.

Superb from De Minaur - he finds the pass again from the baseline, as Murray looks away in frustration.

De Minaur then pulls a forehand wide, giving Murray a chance to level on serve, but again the advantage goes as Murray pushes the forehand.

De Minaur leads 4-2 at the change.

Laver Cup 2022: *Andy Murray 7-5 3-6 Alex De Minaur - World win the second set!

21:32 , Jamie Braidwood

De Minaur breaks to take the second set, and in style!

He raced into a 0-40 with a flurry of winners. Murray faced an uphill struggle and although he clawed two points back, the Australian closes it out.

The second set was always going that way, it seemed. We now head into a deciding tie-break.

The first to 10 points wins.

Laver Cup 2022: *Andy Murray 7-5 3-5 Alex De Minaur

21:25 , Jamie Braidwood

Murray frames a forehand, sending it looping into midcourt, as De Minaur then crashes the volley into the net. Murray holds his hand up as an apology but the Australian has been struggling with those shots.

30-30, and De Minaur nets moving in for the volley! More nerves from him and Murray gets a look at break point.

Ah, that was a chance. Murray puts a soft backhand into the net, but it’s followed by more roars from the bench as Murray salvages another chance, but it meets the same fate! He groans.

Deuce again. This time De Minaur steps in to put away the forehand winner, and the Aussie raises his fist as Murray’s return goes long.

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray 7-5 3-4 Alex De Minaur*

21:16 , Jamie Braidwood

Murray plants a wonderful forehand winner across court to hold to love, and there’s more of a spring in his step as he goes back to the bench. Djokovic leans in to offer a tip or two - which is still a brilliant thing to see. Can it help Murray get the breakthrough he needs?

These scenes off-court are also just fantastic.

Laver Cup 2022: *Andy Murray 7-5 2-4 Alex De Minaur

21:13 , Jamie Braidwood

Meanwhile, Federer and Nadal are warming up off-court, on the exercise bikes, stretching, getting massages.

De Minaur gets going again on his serve. Putting away the forehand pass. He again needs a couple of attempts to put Murray away after stepping in, but he eventually meets the backhand volley and puts it in the corner.

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray 7-5 2-3 Alex De Minaur*

21:08 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic looks... like he’s falling asleep on the bench?

It’s past nine, and we are battling on. Murray hobbles a little after sending down a winner - but can’t get past De Minaur as the Aussie sets himself well at the net.

But this time De Minaur cuts the drop shot too fine. Murray holds.

Laver Cup 2022: *Andy Murray 7-5 1-3 Alex De Minaur

21:04 , Jamie Braidwood

Murray gets an immediate look at De Minaur’s serve on 0-30, but this time the Australian is emphatic in putting away the smash as he gets to 30-30.

The serve helps him to 40-30, and then again - with the help of hawkeye and a challenge - to get the hold.

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray 7-5 1-2 Alex De Minaur*

20:59 , Jamie Braidwood

Now it’s De Minaur’s turn to play receiver, as he lobs Murray after chasing back. The Aussie then plays a lovely drop shop, with the ball stopping dead, to get to deuce.

And now an early chance for Team World, as they rise up from their bench. It’s break point De Minaur, and Murray looks a tired figure as he slumps a double fault into the net.

Like he did in the previous set, De Minaur gets in front early on.

Laver Cup 2022: *Andy Murray 7-5 1-1 Alex De Minaur

20:55 , Jamie Braidwood

A simple hold from De Minaur, as both players catch their breath after that huge first set.

There’s been some brilliant play already.

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray 7-5 1-0 Alex De Minaur* - Europe win the opening set

20:47 , Jamie Braidwood

That is classic Andy Murray! He wins an 82 minute opening set, digging in and showing classic resolve to get over the line. There’s still another set to go and it means it will probably be closer to 10pm when Federer and Nadal take to the court.

There’s another brilliant exchange to start the second set, with Murray and De Minaur exchanging volleys before Murray puts away the forehand pass.

Murray is again too quick at the net, getting his hold.

Laver Cup 2022: *Andy Murray 7-5 Alex De Minaur

20:40 , Jamie Braidwood

Remarkable, on we go. Murray asks for more from the crowd after saving another game point from De Minaur, getting himself back to deuce as he tips the volley wide.

And this time it’s Murray’s turn! De Minaur blinks on the backhand and now it’s set point Murray, can he break?

No! Murray hangs in there again, chasing all over the court, but this time De Minaur drops and Murray nets. He’s knackered after that! Some brilliant reactions from the bench, too.

Murray responds with a drop shot of his own, and it’s perfect! Second set point.

Double fault from De Minaur! Incredible! How has Murray won that?

Laver Cup 2022: *Andy Murray 6-5 Alex De Minaur

20:36 , Jamie Braidwood

Stunning from Murray! He plays a brilliant backhand winner on the turn, passing De Minaur at the net! It moves Murray to 15-30 on the De Minaur serve and he’s inches away from the drop shot winner too.

Murray frames a forehand but De Minaur can’t reply streching for the backhand. It sets up another deuce. This is another good chance for Murray, but he rattles a backhand into the net.

Instead, he produces another stunning shot, this time a beautiful pick-up volley - but De Minaur sends the forehand winner straight past him.

Still, De Minaur can’t get there. Murray clips the net-cord , stalling De Minaur, before playing the forehand pass! We go on...

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray 6-5 Alex De Minaur*

20:25 , Jamie Braidwood

Murray raises his fist and snarls back at Federer and his teammates after putting away an overhead, but just like on the previous point, he nets rather limply on the forehand.

Back to deuce - neither player is having an easy time holding. Great hands from Murray at the end, though! He picks up a driven reply from De Minaur, as the Australian then nets. Murray lets out another sign of relief as De Minaur nets again, he gets to six games.

Laver Cup 2022: *Andy Murray 5-5 Alex De Minaur

20:18 , Jamie Braidwood

We’re nearing an hour and headng towards a very long opening set. Those waiting for Federer’s last match may need to push their schedules back a little longer...

De Minaur holds without much fuss and now Murray will see if he can make the Australian serve to stay in the set once more.

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray 5-4 Alex De Minaur*

20:13 , Jamie Braidwood

Murray is able to grind his way through his next service game, the serve again getting him out of some bother. He’s not able to put away the overhead at the net, though, and do De Minaur takes him into deuce.

De Minaur goes long off the return but then Murray puts one long from inside the baseline. This time Murray gets out. He outlasts De Minaur from the baseline and edges ahead once more.

Laver Cup 2022: *Andy Murray 4-4 Alex De Minaur

20:05 , Jamie Braidwood

The match comes down to earth a bit with some scrappy points, but Murray is able to drag himself back to a deuce on the De Minaur serve. The Australian still struggles to put Murray away, before Murray bids his time and then unleashes a brilliant forehand winner crosscourt!

Back to deuce, and De Minaur throws in a tight double fault... but then responds with three aces. Nicely done.

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray 4-3 Alex De Minaur*

19:57 , Jamie Braidwood

Murray comes up with the serves he needs to get out from 15-30, before finding the angled forehand to seal the hold and edge ahead in the match. He heads back to his bench a much happier man.

Laver Cup 2022: *Andy Murray 3-3 Alex De Minaur

19:52 , Jamie Braidwood

From that moment of magic, De Minaur nets twice after some clean play from Murray. It brings up three break points and Murray takes the first! He roars at Federer, Nadal and Djokovic! Great stuff.

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray 2-3 Alex De Minaur*

19:51 , Jamie Braidwood

Unbelievable from Murray! I cannot believe he just won that point! After being sent scampering by De Minaur, chasing right and left, sending up lobs, he works his way back into the point and lobs the Australian with trademark topspin, before pulling off the overhead volley at the net! That was sublime, and Murray stops and stares and his bench, friends and rivals all.

Terrific.

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray 2-3 Alex De Minaur*

19:46 , Jamie Braidwood

Murray will require more powerful, directed hitting to break De Minaur down. The Australian is happy to play on the back foot - but that’s just what Murray does with an excellent forehand into the corner.

Laver Cup 2022: *Andy Murray 1-3 Alex De Minaur

19:42 , Jamie Braidwood

That’s better from Murray. He adds to power to his groundstrokes and gets some success against De Minaur, despite being 40-0 down on the Australian’s serve. Murray climbs back to deuce as De Minuar struggles with a couple of balls in mid-court.

Winner! There’s a flash of ‘mon! from Murray as he puts the backhand past De Minaur - and the Europe bench rises! Murray thinks he’s made the backhand slice down the line, but it’s just out.

De Minaur is able to wriggle out of it - thanks to a net-cord.

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray 1-2 Alex De Minaur*

19:35 , Jamie Braidwood

Murray is surrounded by the European team as he makes his way to the bench after getting on the board, after a couple of balls from De Minaur drifted long of the baseline. Nadal leans in to offer a word or two of advice. It brings a fascinating element to it all.

Laver Cup 2022: *Andy Murray 0-2 Alex De Minaur

19:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Nicely done from De Minaur. A cutting backhand down the line lands as a winner, before Murray pushes the forehand long.

Federer, Djokovic and Nadal watch on from the Europe benches.

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray 0-1 Alex De Minaur*

19:27 , Jamie Braidwood

A curious start from Murray. A double fault is followed by an ace, before De Minaur puts away the overhead after Murray had lofted one towards the roof.

Both players find the net. It goes to deuce, where Murray hits repeated lets, and then skews a forehand. De Minaur gets a look at a break point, but Murray hangs on. He looks to catch De Minaur out with the drop shot, but the Australian hits the winner!

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray 0-0 Alex De Minaur*

19:21 , Jamie Braidwood

Murray will serve to get us started. Remember, the format at Laver Cup is best of three sets, but the third set is a tiebreaker if the opening two are split!

*Denotes next server

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray vs Alex De Minaur

19:18 , Jamie Braidwood

A nice match-up, this. Murray will be fired up in front of his home crowd and Laver Cup debut. De Minaur is a brilliant player to watch, defeating both Jack Draper and Liam Broady at Wimbledon this summer. Can he add a third Brit?

Laver Cup 2022

19:10 , Jamie Braidwood

The Team Europe introductions are something else, though. Matteo Berrettini is very popular, but the ovations go up, and up, and up. You think it’s big at Murray, but then there’s Djokovic, Nadal, and... finally - Federer.

That was special.

Laver Cup 2022

19:04 , Jamie Braidwood

The introductions begin ahead of the night session, starting with Team World. They are led out by their captain, the one and only John McEnroe.

Like they did in the earlier session, Frances Tiafoe and Felix Auger-Aliassime get the biggest ovation. Taylor Fritz, Diego Schwartzman, Alex de Minaur and Jack Sock cpmplete the team.

Laver Cup 2022: Roger Federer sends message before final match

18:58 , Jamie Braidwood

“I’ve done this thousands of times, but this one feels different. Thank you to everybody who’s coming tonight.”

Goosebumps.

Federer will be expected on court at around 9pm, but depending on how Murray’s match goes it could be slightly earlier or later.

Laver Cup 2022: The calm before Roger Federer’s final match

18:56 , Jamie Braidwood

There is something very appealing about the Laver Cup, with the blues against the reds, distinct teams and opponents, the passion that a collective effort brings.

Tonight is a special occasion, of course, so perhaps this doesn’t matter: But what the Laver Cup really needs for it to become part of the tennis schedule is some competition.

Europe ran away with it 14-1 last year. They’ve won four tournaments in a row. They’ve take a 2-0 lead on the opening afternoon.

Now, the World needs to respond. Alex De Minaur has the game to beat many top players on tour, and should be the favourite against Murray, while Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe will actually like their odds against Federer and Nadal, I reckon.

Could we see an upset on this historic night?

Laver Cup 2022: Federer and Nadal opponents eye upset in ‘beyond iconic’ clash

18:49 , Jamie Braidwood

Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe are relishing their role as pantomime villains in Friday night’s “beyond iconic” doubles showdown with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Sock, nowadays more of a doubles specialist, and Tiafoe represent a serious challenge to the exalted Team Europe duo.

“Obviously tomorrow night is going to be a beyond iconic, evening doubles match. I’m just stoked to be a part of it with my guy Foe next to me,” Sock said.

Tiafoe added: “I’m just excited to play two up-and-comers tomorrow! Should be good. No, it’s going to be iconic to be part of that. Both guys are absolute legends, and obviously it’s Roger’s last dance.

“We are definitely just out there trying to get a win.”

Laver Cup 2022: Nadal delighted to play role in ‘historic’ Federer farewell

18:32 , Jamie Braidwood

Rafael Nadal is used to pressure but even he will be feeling the nerves when he lines up alongside Roger Federer for the Swiss great’s final match.

“After all the amazing things that we shared together on and off court, to be part of this historic moment is going to be something amazing, unforgettable for me,” Nadal said.

“It’s going to be difficult to handle everything, especially for Roger, without a doubt. For me, too. You know, at the end one of the most important players, if not the most important player, in my tennis career, is leaving.

“I’m going to try to do my best in every single way, to help to have this moment even more special than what it’s going to be.”

‘It’s going to be special’: Roger Federer’s final match brings rivals together ahead of Laver Cup

18:19 , Jamie Braidwood

It was one of the many touching moments ahead of the Laver Cup, as a scene of greatness was marked by reflection and gratitude. Roger Federer looked to his left and saw Rafael Nadal then he turned to his right, towards Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

He took in the memories of nearly two decades of battles and the historic rivalries they had shared, and breathed, as if to let it all go. “It feels right that I’m going first,” Federer concluded.

For Federer, the clock is ticking towards the moment in which he will emerge onto the court for the final time, but it is a match he and his great rival Nadal will play together.

‘It’s going to be special’: Rivals come together for Roger Federer ahead of Laver Cup

Laver Cup 2022: Federer retires as tennis’s greatest champion ahead of final goodbye

18:05 , Jamie Braidwood

For one final time, Roger Federer will feel the knots in his stomach as he faces the long wait before a big match. It is not a feeling he will miss but at least it is one he will not have to do alone.

Federer’s retirement from tennis is a historic moment for a sport he has helped define, but it will not be the lonely experience he once feared. Instead, at the O2 Arena in London, the city that has been the “most special place” of his career, the Laver Cup will host the scene of a sport coming together to bid farewell to perhaps its greatest champion.

It is fitting, and a career that has been defined by poise and grace will have a closing chapter that strikes the right balance between competition and commemoration.

Roger Federer retires as tennis’s greatest champion ahead of final goodbye

Laver Cup 2022: Andy Murray looking forward to debut

17:53 , Jamie Braidwood

“I think it’s going to be an incredible atmosphere,” Murray said ahead of his first appearance at the Laver Cup.

“Obviously playing in the night session before Roger and Rafa, I think it’s going to be really special. I’m looking forward to it, playing Alex De Minaur - obviously not an easy match. He’s had a really good year, you know, tough matchup for me.

“But my first time playing in Laver Cup. I’ve watched it on the TV, wanted to be part of it. So to get the opportunity to do it here in London is going to be great.”

Laver Cup 2022: Tsitsipas reacts to climate change protest

17:35 , Jamie Braidwood

Tsitsipas: “It came out of nowhere, I’ve never had an incident like this on court. I hope he’s alright.

“I wanted to proceed the match without having changes to the court, and I wanted to make sure it was playable.

“It changed the way I saw the court later so I wanted it to be cleared up.”

Sounds like some sort of ligher fluid has left a mark.

Laver Cup 2022: Tonight’s schedule and results so far

17:23 , Jamie Braidwood

1.00pm Day Session

Match 1 – Casper Ruud def. Jack Sock - 6-4 5-7 (10-7)

Match 2 – Stefanos Tsistipas def. Diego Schwartzman - 6-2 6-1

7.00pm – Night Session

Match 3 – Andy Murray vs Alex De Minaur

Match 4 – Roger Federer / Rafael Nadal vs Jack Sock / Frances Tiafoe

Laver Cup 2022: Europe take early lead after dramatic protest

17:12 , Jamie Braidwood

Well that’s the opening session of the Laver Cup in the books and as predicted, the tournament favourites Europe have stormed into an early lead.

Casper Ruud required some grit to put away the challenge of Jack Sock before Stefanos Tsitsipas was brilliant in crushing Diego Schwartzman.

Team World have their best hopes in the singles tomorrow, where points are worth double, while Alex De Minaur will hope to get them off the mark against Andy Murray later.

However, the day so far has been rather overshadowed by that dramatic protest and stunning images of the man setting himself on fire. Quite remarkable scenes.

Laver Cup 2022: Climate change protester sets arm on fire during match

16:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Our attention at the O2 Arena has been taken by a bizarre protest, after a man set his arm on fire while on court.

The incident was not shown by broadcasters, but pictures from courtside showed the man was screaming in agony.

He was then removed from the court by security and was led away from the arena.

Climate change protester sets arm on fire during Laver Cup match

Laver Cup 2022: Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2 6-1 Diego Schwartzman - Game, set and match!

16:53 , Jamie Braidwood

A hugely impressive victory for Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Team Europe move into a 2-0 lead after taking both singles matches in the opening session.

Laver Cup 2022: *Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2 5-1 Diego Schwartzman

16:46 , Jamie Braidwood

Tsitsipas breaks again! The Greek will now serve for the match.

Laver Cup 2022: *Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2 3-1 Diego Schwartzman

16:37 , Jamie Braidwood

Tsitsipas gets ahead once more with a lovely hold - finished with a tapped overhead volley at the net and then a superb inside out forehand that caught the line.

Tsitsipas then breaks again - he is motoring now.

Laver Cup 2022: *Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2 1-1 Diego Schwartzman

16:29 , Jamie Braidwood

Tsitsipas returns with agressive hitting from the baseline. A double fault from Schwartzman brings up break point but the return from Tsitsipas goes long, just.

The first is saved but Tsitsipas sets up another with a lovely angled forehand. Schwartzman should save this, too, but he blinks on the overhead! We’re back level again.

Laver Cup 2022: Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2 0-1 Diego Schwartzman*

16:21 , Jamie Braidwood

Hang on, though. Tsitsipas comes out for the second set - after a brief break in which a towel was required to mop up some moisture on court - and takes a chance on a risky drop shot that misses its mark.

It’s followed by an error and suddenly Schwartzman has two break points - Tsitsipas saves them both with some steely hitting from behind the baseline.

This match has found its edge - some great points in this lengthy deuce... And there’s the break! Tsitsipas had saved three but not the fourth as he frames a forehand. Schwartzman gives Team World hope.

Laver Cup 2022: *Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2 Diego Schwartzman - Europe win the opening set

16:09 , Jamie Braidwood

By contrast, Tsitsipas rattles out a hold to love, moving a game away from the set.

He comes out looking determined to finish the job and there’s a tight looking forehand into the net from Schwartzman to set up 15-30.

Brilliant from Tsitsipas! A fitting tribute to Federer from the Greek to dispatch a brilliant one-handed backhand down the line for a clean winner.

Two set points, but he only needs one. Schwartzman goes long and Europe take the opening set again.

Laver Cup 2022: *Stefanos Tsitsipas 4-2 Diego Schwartzman

16:02 , Jamie Braidwood

Schwartzman needs all the help he can get as Tiafoe offers some coaching at the bench, while Federer delights fans at courtside by signing a row of tennis balls.

The Argentine connects with a lovely backhand winner but Tsitsipas is really putting the pressure on from the baseline. Schwartzman is dragged to deuce but is able to escape again with the hold.

Laver Cup 2022: Stefanos Tsitsipas 4-1 Diego Schwartzman*

15:56 , Jamie Braidwood

Tsitsipas is enjoying this - he plays a lovely forehand pass from the baseline, that came from right under his feet. Djokovic loved it and showed his appreciation as the Greek marches into a 4-1 lead.

Laver Cup 2022: *Stefanos Tsitsipas 3-1 Diego Schwartzman

15:53 , Jamie Braidwood

Schwartzman has not been in much form coming into the Laver Cup - and when these players met just a few weeks ago in Cincinatti Tsitsipas was a 6-3 6-3 winner.

The Argentine faces a hole at 0-30 and Tsitsipas then finds the lines to set up break point on deuce. Schwartzman defends well to save it, and he eventually finds a welcome hold as Tsitsipas pushes a sliced volley wide.

Laver Cup 2022: Stefanos Tsitsipas 3-0 Diego Schwartzman*

15:46 , Jamie Braidwood

Tsitsipas continues his nice start with a scrambling volley at the net, but he is also benefitting from some loose hitting from Schwartzman. He takes a 3-0 lead and Federer nods in approval at the bench.

Laver Cup 2022: *Stefanos Tsitsipas 2-0 Diego Schwartzman

15:42 , Jamie Braidwood

Just like in the opening match, Europe get the break in the first service game. Schwartzman had started well with a lovely drop shot but two poor strokes into the net sees Tsitsipas strike ahead early.

Laver Cup 2022: Stefanos Tsitsipas 1-0 Diego Schwartzman*

15:37 , Jamie Braidwood

Tsitsipas revealed this week that the reason he plays with a one-handed backhand is thanks to Federer, whose famous groundstroke we will see later on.

Tsitsipas gets off the mark thanks to a controlled volley at the net.

*denotes next server

Laver Cup 2022: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Diego Schwartzman

15:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Attention now very quickly turns to the second match of the session, as Stefanos Tsitsipas faces Diego Schwartzman. Tsitsipas has had a strange year, again not managing to take the step that is required at the grand slams and suffering some early exits at Wimbledon and the US Open.

This is a different kind of tournament, of course, and as player who looks up to the big three, the Greek will be wanting to absorb as much knowledge as possible this week.

Laver Cup 2022: Casper Ruud 6-4 5-7 (10-7) Jack Sock. Game, set and match!

15:25 , Jamie Braidwood

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic enjoyed that courtside as Ruud found a way through. The World team have put their focus on tomorrow’s singles matches, saving Fritz, Auger-Aliassime and Tiafoe but they were not far away from the steal there.

Laver Cup 2022: Casper Ruud 6-4 5-7 (10-7) Jack Sock. Game, set and match!

15:11 , Jamie Braidwood

Ruud wins it with a whipped forehand winner and Europe take the opening point of the Laver Cup!

That become very close, very quickly. Ruud played his best tennis in the first few games but allowed Sock to get back as his level dropped.

He found a way to get through in the tiebreak, despite being 0-3 down early on.

He admits that nerves played a part, especially given those on the bench watching him! But the Norwegian gives Europe the ideal start.

Laver Cup 2022: Casper Ruud 6-4 5-7 Jack Sock - Tiebreak

15:10 , Jamie Braidwood

Ruud has his head in his hands after putting a poor forehand into the net - Sock has hope once more and it’s back on serve.

But now it’s Sock who sees a chance go begging! Ruud fires a pass at his feet and the American can’t get down to the drop volley. Ruud is two points away at 8-6.

Ruud reached Sock’s forehand out wide but his slice skims into the net! Sock’s forehand hits the net-cord and hangs... but drops on his side! Match point to Europe!

Laver Cup 2022: Casper Ruud 6-4 5-7 Jack Sock - Tiebreak

15:04 , Jamie Braidwood

Sock throws his racket away in disgust at a forehand that droops into the net - his advantage is gone and Ruud has the chance to take control on serve.

And that’s just what he does. Sock’s backhand pass goes astray before Ruud sends a great serve down the T. After winning six points in a row he leads 6-3.

Sock gives away another poor forehand for Ruud to lead 7-4 on serve, but Sock stays in there with a nice backhand pass. Ruud leads 7-5 at the change.

Laver Cup 2022: Casper Ruud 6-4 5-7 Jack Sock - Tiebreak

14:57 , Jamie Braidwood

All the European team are back out now. Sock gets on the board first as Ruud pushes a forehand wide, and then an erratic return on the backhand moves the American 2-0 up.

Sock digs in behind the baseline, but Ruud has lost the decisiveness of his early play. He sends another forehand wide but gets a break as Sock throws in a gift with a forehand that goes long. 1-3.

Ruud’s serve is met by a wawward return from Sock, before Ruud scrambles back to the baseline and plays the tweener - which Sock crashes into the net! 3-3 at the change.

Laver Cup 2022: Casper Ruud 6-4 5-7 Jack Sock - Team World take the second set!

14:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Now can Sock finish the job and take this into a deciding tiebreak? He gets off to a strong start with the overhead and a whipped forehand winner out wide, brining another meme-worthy reaction from Tiafoe.

And he finishes it with a flourish! Another lovely drop shot from Sock - and he takes the second set!

A 10-point match tiebreak will now be played to decide the opener.

Laver Cup 2022: Casper Ruud 6-4 5-6 Jack Sock* - Sock breaks!

14:50 , Jamie Braidwood

Well then. Ruud double faults to open his service game and then pushes a forehand wide. And another double fault brings up three break points!

And Sock takes it as Ruud goes long! Big chance for Team World now.

That was very similar to the end of the first set. Sock had barely threatened before Ruud suddenly put himself in hole.

Laver Cup 2022: *Casper Ruud 6-4 5-5 Jack Sock

14:47 , Jamie Braidwood

The Laver Cup scoring system means that if Sock can nick this, he would only be a 10-point tiebreak away from winning the match.

But another tight forehand from Sock in mid-court brings the pressure back at 15-30, moving Ruud just two points away.

Sock responds with a big serve down the middle before Ruud shanks one from the baseline.

Brilliant point! Sock levels after taking a chance with a lovely drop shot, which he then followed with a forehand pass onto the line.

He needed that.

Laver Cup 2022: Casper Ruud 6-4 5-4 Jack Sock*

14:38 , Jamie Braidwood

A stunning inside-out forehand from Ruud from the tramlines, arrowed down the line, sees Sock face 0-30, but the American gets away with the hold, A couple of gifts from Ruud were followed by agressive play from Sock, and he stays alive.

Ruud then duly rattles off his own hold, finished with another lovely forehand down the line from what would normally be the backhand side.

The pressure is back on Sock.

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