Nick Kyrgios had one match point but it was Roger Federer who ultimately prevailed 4-6 7-6 (8-6) 11-9 to clinch the inaugural Laver Cup for Europe.

In an intense match in Prague, Kyrgios often had Federer on the ropes but just couldn’t get over the line as the Swiss star secured the victory.

If Kyrgios had of been able to win it would have tied the scores between the world and European teams and forced a final doubles match.

Before the match even began, the Australian – who usually crouches at the net pre-match, took a knee, sparking speculation he was showing solidarity with more than 100 American NFL players – who themselves knelt during the playing of their national anthem before matches on Sunday.

They were protesting against comments made by US President Donald Trump, who on Saturday said that those who failed to stand for the anthem should be fired by NFL teams.

Kyrgios got the only break of serve in the first set but soon found himself a break down at the beginning of the second. However, after a medical time out the Australian broke back and took it to a tiebreak.

He saved three set points in the breaker but 19-time grand slam champion Federer eventually levelled things up.

The match then went to a champions tiebreak which Kyrgios led 6-2 at one point.

But Federer battled back and Team Europe got the point they needed for victory when Kyrgios sent a forehand into the net.

“It has been such an amazing and fun week and I’m so pleased the event has worked as it has,” Federer said post-match.

“The camaraderie in the group was amazing and we are all so happy. Time will tell how big the Laver Cup will become but the first one is officially over and I can’t wait to get my hands on the trophy

“Team World made us work so incredibly hard and I can only congratulate them.”

The world team had clawed their way back into the tournament on Sunday with a win in the doubles match, while John Isner beat Rafael Nadal 7-5 7-6 (7-1).