Did he apologise to 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer for depriving him Laver Cup glory? He had a ruthless response to the question.
The Laver Cup was supposed to be Roger Federer’s ideal farewell. Before it was confirmed that Federer would play his final game alongside his “greatest rival and friend” Rafael Nadal in his final and final match of his career, Team Europe had put together the strongest line-up on paper by reuniting the Big Four for the first time ever on the ATP tour. But Federer was denied glory twice: he lost the doubles before Team World staged a stunning comeback on the final day of the event in London, and the twin defeats were orchestrated by Frances Tiafoe. But did he apologise to the 20-time Grand Slam champion for failing to win the Laver Cup? Tiafoe, on the other hand, had a ruthless response to the question.
Tiafoe and Jack Sock defeated Federer and Nadal in the doubles on Friday night, and the Swiss legend bid farewell to the sport with an emotional farewell speech. Federer, who was replaced in the singles by Matteo Berrettini, stayed in London to support his team.
Despite the loss on Friday, Novak Djokovic’s impressive performance on Saturday put Team Europe in pole position for a fifth consecutive title win, with an 8-4 lead heading into the final day. But Tiafoe was the wrecker-in-chief once more, directing a comeback from a set down to defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas in a singles match and give Team World their first Laver Cup title.
A reporter asked Tiafoe if he apologised to Federer for beating him in the previous match and denying him the Laver Cup, and the American was ruthless in his response. “Certainly not. I want to see him burned, but I’m not going to apologise. He has a lot to apologise for after beating everyone on the tour for the last 24 years! No, I’m not going to apologise, but I will thank you for having me in this incredible event and for what he’s done for the game,” he said.
“He’s a gentleman. I’m glad to know him, glad to call him a friend, glad to call him a colleague, and I wish him the best in his second act. But I’m not going to apologise “He continued.
