LONDON: Carlos Alcaraz and Jakub Mensik gave Team Europe a 3-1 lead over Team World on Friday’s opening day of the Laver Cup. They won the closing doubles match at The O2.
Alcaraz and Mensik beat Alexander Bublik and Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4. Their victory followed Rafael Jodar’s successful tournament debut, which had restored Europe’s advantage after the afternoon singles.
Jodar defeated Bublik 6-2, 6-3 to put Europe back in front. Bublik then returned for doubles but finished the day without a win.
Earlier, Casper Ruud earned Europe’s opening point against Francisco Cerundolo. He recovered from a first-set loss to win 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 10-8.
Brandon Nakashima answered for Team World, beating Mensik 6-1, 3-6, 10-7. That result levelled the contest before Europe took both evening matches. Mensik’s doubles victory made up for his earlier singles defeat.
Europe entered the tournament with five titles, while defending champions Team World had won three.
Signed, sealed, delivered 📩@carlosalcaraz and @mensik_jakub_ defeat Bublik/Fritz 6-4, 6-4 to give Team Europe a 3-1 lead after Day 1.#LaverCup #TennisUnrivaled pic.twitter.com/tJbiYrDcdj
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 25, 2026Friday’s victories each carried one point. Match values rise to two points on Saturday and three on Sunday, with the first team to reach 13 points taking the trophy.
Read: Alcaraz Leads Tennis Off-Court Earnings at $38 Million
Play continues on Saturday, and the tournament concludes on Sunday, September 27.
(With input from Sky Sports)
