Google News John McEnroe on Matteo Berrettini, Felix Auger-Aliassime clash: Just enthralling
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 6535
Team World captain John McEnroe absolutely enjoyed watching the Felix Auger-Aliassime and Matteo Berrettini Laver Cup match. Auger-Aliassime, the top-ranked player from Team World, fell just short of beating world No. 7 Berrettini at the Laver Cup.
World No. 11 Auger-Aliassime competed extremely well against Berrettini but the Wimbledon runner-up escaped with a 6-7 (3) 10-8 win. "I've got to say the match Felix just played with Matteo... I've been part of the Laver Cup, this is my fourth time doing it...
One of the best matches bar none that I've ever seen played, absolutely just enthralling," McEnroe said.
Auger-Aliassime was disappointed to lose to Berrettini
Auger-Aliassime failed to serve out for the opener in the ninth game as Berrettini saved a total of seven set points to force a tie-break.
In the tie-break, Auger-Aliassime held his composure as he converted his eighth set point to win the opener. Auger-Aliassime paid the price for failing to convert any of his two break points in the 11th game as Berrettini broke the Canadian in the 12th game to force a decider.
Berrettini then realized his first match point in the third set to complete a comeback win. "Of course it's disappointing to lose. At the same time I think I have showed and reflected how much this team wants to win. You know, it's only the start of the weekend, we've got a lot of matches ahead and I'm aire we are going to give it everything to win," Auger-Aliassime said.
Berrettini admitted even he didn't know how he beat Auger-Aliassime. "I don't know," Berrettini said, when asked how did he overturn the deficit against Auger-Aliassime. Just fighting. I felt the match was really hard. You know, Felix was playing really good, not giving me anything, no mistakes, serving really well.
I felt a different energy, to know that I'm playing for my team, not just for myself, for my family. I felt great and they helped me a lot."
