He nearly made it through as a winner, having match point on his serve against Team World’s U.S. duo of Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. Federer and Nadal won the first set, 6-4, and dropped the second in a tiebreaker before playing a 10-point tiebreak to decide matters.
Trailing 6-7, Federer intercepted Sock’s attempted pass down the line and left Tiafoe flailing at net with a winning volley. It was a reminder of times past, and everyone—from Roger and Rafa to the capacity crowd—exploded at the thought of victory.
Everyone except Tiafoe and Sock, that is. Playing the role of spoilers impeccably, the Americans didn’t succumb to the moment. So much so that on the very next point, Tiafoe’s hit Federer in the front court with a forehand.
The crowd booed lustily, but always the good sport, the Swiss raised his racquet to let his legions of supportes know it was a perfectly legal play.
