Watch: Novak Djokovic hits partner Roger Federer during Laver Cup match
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer paired up for the men’s doubles match against Kevin Anderson and Jack Sock during Team Europe vs Team World match on Day 1 of the Laver Cup on Friday.
The two stars, who have 34 grand slam titles between them, paired up for the first time but their doubles debut party was spoiled by Kevin Anderson and Jack Sock. However, Team Europe still led Team World 3-1 after the first day as Grigor Dimitrov, David Goffin and Kyle Edmund all won their opening singles matches.
Team World's Jack Sock and Kevin Anderson needed a tiebreaker to defeat the doubles dream team of Federer and Djokovic 6-7, 6-3, 10-6.
The two stars, who share a great camaraderie on and off the tennis courts, seemed to enjoying playing together. The match also a hilarious moment play out between them when Djokovic accidentally struck the ball on Federer’s waist.
The moment occurred in the very first game. Djokovic was trying to return Sock's shot but the ball struck Federer who had his back turned.
Djokovic, the current Wimbledon and US Open Champion, then rubbed the waist of his partner as everyone was left smiling.
Sock and Anderson won the tiebreaker after Federer double faulted to give Team World a key 5-4 lead. Federer and Djokovic eventually lost the match 7-6, 3-6, (10-6).
Earlier in the day, Europe's Dimitrov cruised past Frances Tiafoe 6-1, 6-4, Goffin saved two match points to outlast Diego Schwartzman 6-4, 4-6, 11-9 and Edmund toppled World's Sock 6-4, 5-7, 10-6.
This is the second instalment of the Laver Cup which has been dubbed the Ryder Cup of tennis -- although it lacks the tradition of golf's premier team event.
The exhibition is taking place on US soil for the first time and features 12 of the world's top players squaring off against each other in a three-day showcase which wraps up Sunday in Chicago.
Federer, Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Dimitrov, Goffin and Edmund make up Team Europe. Federer played in the first Laver Cup but Djokovic is taking part for the first time.
Sock, Nick Kyrgios, John Isner, Tiafoe, Anderson and Schwartzman are representing Team World.The event is named in honour of tennis legend Rod Laver, who won a record 200 singles titles, 11 Grand Slams and five Davis Cups for Australia.