Throughout a fascinating year in men’s tennis, Laver Cup’s Class of ’22 made headlines for their incredible feats on the Tour and indelible memories created at The O2 in London.
Next Generation players disrupted the world order, but seasoned champions maintained their hold on many of tennis’ biggest prizes.
Laver Cup : December 30, 2022
From new faces appearing in the top 10, to inspiring comebacks, emotional retirements and Team World’s come-from-behind maiden Laver Cup victory, it was a season like no other.
Andy Murray moves back into the top 50
Andy Murray earned a place on Bjorn Borg’s Team Europe in 2022 following his comeback from hip surgery in 2018 and 2019. In January, the three-time major singles champion reached his first ATP singles final in three years as a wildcard at the Sydney Tennis Classic. “I’ve really missed playing in front of these sorts of crowds and these sorts of matches,” Murray said. Ranked No.134 in December 2021, Murray ended 2022 at No.49. His matches at The O2 against Alex de Minaur in singles and partnering with Matteo Berrettini against Jack Sock and Felix Auger-Aliassime in Sunday’s doubles were two of the most hotly contested battles in London.
Rafael Nadal wins two more majors
Rafael Nadal came back from two sets down and 0-2 in the third to defeat Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 7-5 for his second Australian Open crown and a record 21st major. “For me it’s just amazing. A month-and-a-half ago I didn’t know if I’d be back and today I’m back here with you holding this trophy,” said Nadal, who had missed the second half of 2021 with a foot injury. A few months later, Nadal lifted an unprecedented 14th Roland Garros title, becoming the oldest champion in Paris at 36, his 6-3 6-3 6-0 victory over Norway’s Casper Ruud coming 17 years to the day since he won as a 19-year-old in 2005. “It means a lot to me,” said Nadal after claiming his 22nd major crown. “Means everything.”
Taylor Fritz breaks through at Indian Wells
Two-time Team World representative Taylor Fritz played Nadal four times in 2022 and won twice, beating the red-hot Spaniard 6-3 7-6(5) to claim his first ATP Tour Masters singles title at home in California – becoming the first American men’s champion at Indian Wells since Andre Agassi in 2001. Fritz won two important points for Team World at Laver Cup London against Cameron Norrie and secured a spot in the Top 10 in October for the first time stating, “There is more that I want to achieve. But I’ll always be a Top 10 player. That can never be taken away from me.”
Frances Tiafoe finds form at the US Open
America’s Frances Tiafoe arrived in London as a Team World Captain’s Pick and rewarded John McEnroe’s selection with a three-set victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas to seal the Laver Cup for Team World. Prior to his third Laver Cup appearance, Tiafoe rocked Arthur Ashe Stadium with an upset over Rafael Nadal in the fourth round of the US Open. “I don’t know what to say right now,” Tiafoe said on court. “I’m beyond happy, I’m almost in tears, I can’t believe it. He’s got to be one of the greatest of all time.” Tiafoe backed up the win with a ripping quarterfinal victory over Andrey Rublev, becoming the first American man to reach the men’s semifinals in New York since 2006. He narrowly lost the championship match to Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz in a grueling five-set final 6-7 6-3 6-1 6-7 6-3, vowing to “come back and win this thing one day.”