Europe takes 3-1 lead in Laver Cup after Alcaraz doubles win — Dawn
Team Europe ended the first day of the Laver Cup in London, United Kingdom, with a 3-1 lead over the reigning champions, Team World. The decisive point for the day's result was earned by Carlos Alcaraz and Jakub Mensik, who defeated Alexander Bublik and Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 in a doubles match at The O2 arena, Dawn reports.
Alcaraz and Mensik's victory
Alcaraz, the world No. 3, is playing his second tournament after the US Open, having returned following a four-month injury layoff. The Spaniard and the Czech player, who also played together at last year's Laver Cup in San Francisco, saved three break points at the start of the match.
Later, Alcaraz secured the first break with an overhead shot. In the second set, the European duo again broke their opponents' serve early and held onto the advantage: Mensik served for the match, while Alcaraz finished the game at the net. After the victory, the Spaniard said he uses doubles matches to enjoy the game and improve individual aspects of his tennis.
Singles match results
Europe's first point was brought by Norway's Casper Ruud, who defeated Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 10-8. The opponents recorded no breaks in the opening set, and Cerundolo won the tiebreak. Ruud recovered thanks to a break at 5-4 in the second set and maintained his advantage in the match tiebreak after the score was 8-8.
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Team World levelled the score thanks to Brandon Nakashima. The American defeated Mensik 6-1, 3-6, 10-7 in his debut Laver Cup match. Nakashima quickly took a 5-0 lead in the first set, but the Czech player won the second set, after which the American sealed the match in the tiebreak.
Jodar's debut
Rafael Jodar restored Europe's lead by convincingly beating Bublik 6-2, 6-3. It was the Spaniard's Laver Cup debut; Roger Federer and John McEnroe watched the match from the stands.
The Laver Cup lasts three days: on Friday, a match win is worth one point, on Saturday two points, and on Sunday three points. The title will go to the team that is first to reach 13 points.
