Even in his final tennis appearance Roger Federer treated fans to something they'd never seen before when he managed to squeeze a forehand 'through' the net.
At 1-1 in the first set, the Swiss legend lunged forward in an attempt to send a forehand down the line, but despite mishitting it, the ball ended up bouncing past opponents Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock for an apparent winner. However, after discussions with officials, a reply on the big screen showed the ball had actually squeezed through the tiny cap where the net chord attaches to the post.
Subsequently, Federer and Nadal had the point taken off them, but both icons were able to laugh about it. Federer even joked to the umpire: “But my eye is still good. I saw that it went through."
And on commentary, Tim Henman summed things up by quipping: "He's still showing is things we've never seen before." Fans lauded the moment on Twitter, with @Olly_Tennis_ saying: "Federer’s career has been one of firsts, and he did it again tonight, by somehow hitting the ball between the net and the actual net post."
@rogerdiIferer added: "Roger Federer is the only man who can get the ball over the net, around the net and through the net," while @RoyLuo71490369 replied with: "Did we just see the shot of history??"
Federer, 41, had earlier entered the court to a huge standing ovation, and warmly embraced all Team Europe members before the action began. And fittingly, his first touch was a clinical volley which prompted a huge roar from the crowd at The O2 Arena.
The Europeans were leading 2-1 before the evening doubles, following a dramatic opening day in London. Casper Ruud got Bjorn Borg's side off to the perfect start by coming through a tie-break decider to beat Sock.
Stefanos Tsitsipas made it 2-0 by winning in straight sets against Diego Schwartzman, before Andy Murray became embroiled in an epic match with Alex de Mineur. The Scot took the first set, only for the Australian to level matters and force the tie-break.
There, De Mineur kept his nerve to take it 10-8 and get a first point on the board for Team World. The first team to 13 points over the weekend will win the Laver Cup.
