Laver Cup: Novak Djokovic makes seamless return after Wimbledon triumph to down Frances Tiafoe

Novak Djokovic crushed Frances Tiafoe 6-2 6-3 at the Laver Cup at the O2 on Saturday night in his first match since winning Wimbledon this summer.

The former world No.1 was backed by Bjorn Borg as well as the rest of the famous Big Four: Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

He was up against Frances Tiafoe, growing into his potential, for just the second time the pair had met.

Djokovic played with power and precision that outstripped much – if not all – of what had come before in the recent two days.

Perhaps fresher than others due to his relatively limited activity as a result of his stance on Covid-19 vaccination, the Serbian raced into a 4-1 lead in the first set, and another break followed another intimidatingly good service game as he carried the first set 6-1 with ease.

In the second set, Djokovic broke immediately and then moved clear as the American struggled to upset the 35-year-old’s rhythm, but such was his dominance that he even had time to exchange a high five with Bjorg courtside.

At 5-3 in the second set, the pressure was on Tiafoe to serve to stay in the match, but he could resist Djokovic who broke to take victory.

The result moved Team Europe back in front on points, 6-4, after Taylor Fritz defeated Cameron Norrie earlier in the day.