France, Sept. 24 -- Matteo Berrettini added his personal tributes to Roger Federer on Saturday after beating Felix Auger-Aliassime to give Team Europe a 4-2 lead in the Laver Cup.

The 26-year-old Italian saw off Team World's Auger-Aliassime 7-6, 4-6, 10-7 at the O2 Arena in south-east London.

After praising his opponent for another tough battle, he gave his thoughts on the events of Friday night when Federer played his last match on the tour in the doubles with Rafael Nadal.

"It was an emotional evening," said Berrettini. "I told Roger that I chose to be a tennis player because of him.

"He inspired me and not just me but millions of people around the world. I'd like to thank him."

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After more than a year away from the circuit ...