Zverev puts Europe on top in Laver Cup

CHICAGO: Alexander Zverev saved a match point to defeat John Isner as Europe took control of the Laver Cup team tennis tournament here Saturday.

Zverev, 21, dug deep to hold off the big-serving Isner to win 3-6, 7-6 (8/6), 10-7 and give Europe a 5-1 lead over the World team on day two at Chicago’s United Center.

Under the format being used for the tournament, a 10-point tiebreak is used instead of a decisive third set.

After dominating Friday’s opening day, winning three out of the four matches, Europe’s progress looked to be checked after Isner grabbed the first set against Zverev.

But the rising German star showed great determination in saving a match point at 6-5 down in the second set tie-break to level the contest.

Zverev then raced into the lead in the 10-point match tie-break before closing out for the win.

Under the scoring system for the Laver Cup, victories on day two are worth two points each, with victories on day three rising to three points.

Europe needs only 13 points to take the title, which is being held for the second time.

Europe doubles pair Grigor Dimitrov and David Goffin complete the schedule against the World team’s Jack Sock and Kyrgios.