Team World successfully defends Laver Cup title

The Laver Cup is staying with Team World. Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe defeated Hubert Hurkacz and Andrey Rublev 7-6(4), 7-6(5) in Sunday's opening match to secure the title for the captain John McEnroe's team for a second year in a row.

After a come-from-behind effort in last year's victory, Team World's second triumph was much different. It swept all four matches on Friday, and won eight of the nine matches played, for a dominant 13-2 final score at Vancouver's Rogers Arena.

Shelton, in his Laver Cup debut, went 3-0 for the week, chipping in six of Team World's 13 total points. Tiafoe, who provided the clinching victory in last year's Laver Cup, also added six points. Team Europe's only win came courtesy of Casper Ruud, who chipped in the two points thanks to his straight-sets win over Tommy Paul on Saturday.

"Being part of that last year was so emotional, first time ... now, to be able to do it again, in doubles with Ben, was a lot of fun," Tiafoe said afterwards. "Now, it's time to celebrate."

Shelton, the former University of Florida star, thrived in his return to a team format. He beat France's Arthur Fils in the opening singles match on Friday before teaming with home favorite Felix Auger-Aliassime in a winning doubles effort on Day 2.

"It's been crazy for me. I've enjoyed being in a team environment, playing for Johnny Mac," Shelton added. "Team World really brought the energy this week. It's easy for me to play when I'm amped up and hyped. The bench has done a great job of hyping me up all week, and I hope I've done a good job of hyping them up too. I really enjoyed the whole weekend."

Every one of McEnroe's players chipped in one point to the overall score. Francisco Cerundolo, Taylor Fritz and Auger-Aliassime joined Tiafoe and Shelton in winning singles matches over the first two days. Paul also teamed with Tiafoe for a doubles point on Friday.

"It felt unbelievable to kick their ass, baby. They've kicked ours many times," McEnroe said afterwards. "Last year, it was a battle to the end, and we came in with a great team spirit, a good combination of youth and experience, I felt it from the word 'go.'

"When everyone contributes, it just brings out the best in all of us. It's nice when that happens ... this is like a special year for us. I'll take two in a row any day, and now I'm starting to think, is it possible, three in a row?"