WTA Guangzhou, China

Top Photos, Laver Cup Day 1: Fedal fired up; Shapo catches some air

Dominic Thiem fought off Denis Shapovalov to put the first point on the board, but Team World's Jack Sock answered back to start the action-packed day in Geneva.

By Jordaan SanfordPublished September 20, 2019

There was no shortage of drama and intensity to the start of the third annual Laver Cup. These photos help tell the story of a thrilling opening day in Geneva.

1. Nadal and Federer roared after Team Europe captured the first point of the event. Dominic Thiem saved three match points to deny Team World's Denis Shapovalov, 6-4, 5-7, [13-11], and ignited excitement from the crowd and his teammates. With Nadal's left wrist wrapped, it remains to be seen whether fans will be treated to Rafa & Roger reunion on the doubles court.

Getty Images

2. It was a packed house at the Palexpo in Geneva as fans waited for the sport's top names to trickle into the arena on Friday. Through the Laver Cup, Federer wanted to bring both the past and present together, and this special team event does just that.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: General view inside the arena prior to the start of play during Day One of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 20, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the World competing against their counterparts from Europe. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament runs from September 20-22. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup) — © Julian Finney/Getty Images

Getty Images

3. Jack Sock, who has fallen to world No. 210, posted a surprising 6-1, 7-6 (3) upset against Fabio Fognini. Sock not only put a point on the board but became the first Team World player to win a singles match on the opening day of Laver Cup. The American claimed his first victory of the 2019 season, after missing six months of the season due to a thumb injury.

Getty Images

4. Sock's thrilling win over the world No. 11 tied up the scoreboard. Team World may have just been a little excited?

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Team World celebrate in the singles match between Jack Sock of Team World and Fabio Fognini of Team Europe during Day One of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 20, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the World competing against their counterparts from Europe. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament runs from September 20-22. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup) — © Getty Images for Laver Cup

Getty Images

5. Federer's childhood hero, Rod Laver, made his entrance on Friday ahead of the day's matches. Laver is the only player ever to have won two calendar Grand Slams. Federer not only wanted to name the event after Laver due to his achievements, but also his demeanor and fair play. The Swiss modeled his graceful and humble on-court attitude after the Aussie.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Rod Laver waves to the fans as he is introduced during Day One of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 20, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the World competing against their counterparts from Europe. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament runs from September 20-22. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup) — © Julian Finney/Getty Images

Getty Images

6. Team World's Sock and Shapovalov struggled to break Federer and Alexander Zverev, but the two hung tough to keep the final match of the day close. Although the duo upped their level to get back on serve in the second, it wasn't enough to overcome Team Europe, falling 6-3, 7-5, to close out Friday's play.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Denis Shapovalov, playing partner of Jack Sock of Team World jumps to play a forehand during their doubles match against Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev of Team Europe during Day One of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 20, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the World competing against their counterparts from Europe. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament runs from September 20-22. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup) — © Julian Finney/Getty Images

Getty Images

7. It was a rare and exciting sight to see the Swiss star on the doubles court. The pair were in front for most of the match and finished Day 1 on a high note. For the third consecutive year, Team Europe will hit their pillows with a 3-1 lead over Team World.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Roger Federer, playing partner of Alexander Zverev of Team Europe plays a smash during their doubles match against Jack Sock and Denis Shapovalov of Team World during Day One of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 20, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the World competing against their counterparts from Europe. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament runs from September 20-22. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup) — © Getty Images for Laver Cup

Getty Images