Carlos Alcaraz enjoyed a strong start at the 2025 Laver Cup, held this weekfinish in San Francisco. The Spanish star assisted give Team Europe a 3-1 lead after the opening day with a doubles victory.
Partnering with Czech player Jakub Mensik, the world No. 1 defeated Americans Taylor Fritz and Alex Michelsen 7-6(7), 6-4 in a hard-fought match that hinged on fine margins at key moments.
Alcaraz thrilled the crowd with his trademark explosive tennis, while the European duo proved rock-solid on serve, not allowing a single break opportunity to their opponents.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jakub Mensik of Team Europe
Chances on return were scarce against the Americans’ strong serving, but Alcaraz and Mensik seized their opportunity. Leading 5-4 and holding a break point at 30-40, they closed out the contest.
The day launched with Casper Ruud earning the first point for Europe, defeating Reilly Opelka 6-4, 7-6(4) in 1 hour and 27 minutes. The world No. 12 neutralized Opelka’s powerful serve with composure and consistency.
Europe’s second point came from Mensik, who narrowly edged Michelsen 6-1, 6-7(3), 10-8.
The only win for Team World was delivered by 19-year-old Joao Fonseca, who created history as the youngest player ever to claim a Laver Cup victory by defeating Italian Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 6-3 in a confident performance on the large stage.
The second day of action receives underway Saturday at 10 p.m. local time in Spain with Alexander Zverev facing Alex de Minaur, followed by Holger Rune against Francisco Cerúndolo.
Fans will have to wait for the evening session in California (4 a.m. Spanish time) to see Alcaraz back in action when he takes on Fritz in singles.
The day will conclude with a doubles match featuring Rune and Ruud against de Minaur and Michelsen.
Inspired by golf’s Ryder Cup and driven by Roger Federer’s vision, the Laver Cup pits Europe against Team World. The format includes four matches per day — three singles and one doubles — from Friday through Sunday.
Matches on Friday are worth one point, Saturday’s count for two, and Sunday’s for three. The first team to reach 13 points claims the title.
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