Mumbai, September 20: Defending champions Team Europe surged ahead on the opening day of the Laver Cup 2025, winning three of the four matches at the Chase Center to take control of their clash with Team World. The highlight came late in the evening as newly crowned world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz partnered Jakub Mensik to sparkle in doubles action. Alcaraz, who reclaimed the top ranking after winning his sixth Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open earlier this month, showed off his full repertoire at the net and from the baseline to help seal a 7-6(7), 6-4 win over Taylor Fritz and Alex Michelsen. Davis Cup 2025: Taylor Fritz Keeps USA Alive With Win Over Jiri Lehecka; Francisco Cerundolo Puts Argentina on Brink of Finals.

The decisive moment came in the 10th game of the second set when Europeโ€™s young pairing secured a crucial break. Reflecting on the match, Alcaraz said doubles gave him the chance to expand his game.

โ€œI think that it gives you more opportunities to make great shots, great volleys. But doubles is not just about one player. It was a team (effort) with a great player in Jakub. He has great skills in points throughout and made me comfortable on the court.โ€

The victory capped a strong opening day for Team Europe, who are chasing a sixth title in the seven editions of the tournament, tennisโ€™ answer to golfโ€™s Ryder Cup. Under the Laver Cup format, wins on Day 1 are worth one point each, with the value of matches rising to two on Saturday and three on the decisive Sunday.

The first team to 13 points out of 24 available is crowned champion. The day had started brightly for Europe, with Casper Ruud striking the first blow through a 6-4, 7-6(4) win over Reilly Opelka. Mensik then doubled the holdersโ€™ advantage, edging past Michelsen 6-1, 7-6(3), 10-8 in a spirited battle. Iga Swiatek Advances to Womenโ€™s Singles Quarterfinal of Korea Open 2025; World No 2 Defeats Sorana Cirstea by 6โ€“3, 6โ€“2 in Round of 16.

Team World avoided a whitewash thanks to Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, who fought back from a break down to defeat Italyโ€™s Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 6-3. Despite Fonsecaโ€™s efforts, Europeโ€™s commanding 3-1 lead sets them up well heading into the high-stakes second day. Fonseca, who impressed with his fearless hitting, was delighted with his performance.

โ€œI knew it was going to be a difficult match and I knew how important it was. Iโ€™m happy with the way I managed to stay positive during the match. I like to play aggressive, so I wanted to suffocate him โ€ฆ not let him breathe and not give him space.โ€

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 20, 2025 02:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).