Sun Sep 21 04:20:00 UTC 2025: **Alcaraz Leads Team Europe at Laver Cup After US Open Triumph**
SAN FRANCISCO – Fresh off his US Open victory, Carlos Alcaraz helped propel Team Europe to an early lead at the Laver Cup on Friday. The Spanish world number one partnered with Czech player Jakub Mensik to secure a 7-6 (9-7), 6-4 doubles win against Team World’s Taylor Fritz and Alex Michelsen.
Alcaraz, playing in his first tournament since his Grand Slam win, expressed his excitement at playing doubles and its role in the teams success: “I think it [doubles] gives you more opportunities to make great shots, great volleys… It was a team [effort] with a great player in Jakub. He has great skills and made me comfortable on the court.”
Earlier in the day, Norway’s Casper Ruud earned the first point for Team Europe with a victory over American Reilly Opelka. Mensik added to the lead with a win over Michelsen. Joao Fonseca would pull a point back for Team World,
Victory on day one in the Laver Cup is worth one point, with two points awarded for a win on day two and three. The first team to reach 13 of the 24 available points is the winner. Team Europe is looking to continue its dominance, having won five of the previous seven editions of the event.
First Piper 