Team Europe Takes 3-1 Lead As Alcaraz And Mensik Seal Laver Cup Doubles Win

Carlos Alcaraz and Jakub Mensik combined to give Team Europe a strong start at the Laver Cup, beating Alexander Bublik and Taylor Fritz in straight sets to finish the opening day with a 3-1 lead over Team World.

Playing the final match of the day at the O2 Arena, Alcaraz and Mensik produced a composed performance to defeat Bublik and Fritz 6-4, 6-4. The victory capped a productive opening day for Europe, which had already taken two of the three singles matches played.

Rafael Jodar put Europe ahead again in the evening session, defeating Bublik 6-2, 6-3 after Team World had levelled the contest earlier in the day.

Team World’s first point came through Brandon Nakashima, who marked his Laver Cup debut with a comeback victory over Mensik. Nakashima won 6-1, 3-6, 10-7 in the opening session.

The American, ranked 16th in the world, was a late addition to Team World after Ben Shelton withdrew following his run to the US Open final.

Europe had opened the competition with Casper Ruud edging Francisco Cerundolo 6-7(4), 6-4, 10-8 in a tightly contested match. Ruud's victory gave Europe the first point of the three-day competition.

The Laver Cup features four matches each day, with the value of victories increasing as the tournament progresses. Wins are worth one point on Friday, two on Saturday and three on Sunday. The first team to reach 13 points wins the title.

Team Europe has won the competition five times since its launch, while Team World claimed its third title last year. With the points becoming increasingly valuable over the next two days, Europe will look to protect its early advantage when the competition resumes Saturday.