Team Europe kicked off the Laver Cup 2025 with a strong performance, grabbing a 3-1 lead over Team World on the opening day at San Francisco’s Chase Center. The defending champions won three out of four matches, putting them in a great spot to chase their sixth title in just seven editions of this exciting team tennis event, often called the Ryder Cup of tennis.
The day started on a high note for Europe when Casper Ruud took down Reilly Opelka in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6(4). Ruud’s solid play set the tone early. Then, Jakub Mensik kept the momentum going with a tough 6-1, 7-6(3), 10-8 win over Alex Michelsen in a super tiebreak thriller. Mensik’s grit helped Europe pull ahead 2-0.
Team World bounced back with a bright spot from young Brazilian star Joao Fonseca. The teenager fought from a break down to beat Italy’s Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 6-3. Fonseca’s aggressive style shone through, and he shared his excitement afterward: “I knew it was going to be a difficult match and how important it was. I’m happy with the way I stayed positive. I like to play aggressive, so I wanted to suffocate him—not let him breathe and not give him space.”
The evening highlight stole the show, though, as newly crowned world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz teamed up with Mensik for a doubles victory. Fresh off his sixth Grand Slam win at the U.S. Open, Alcaraz dazzled with net volleys and baseline winners to secure a 7-6(7), 6-4 triumph over Taylor Fritz and Michelsen. The key break came in the 10th game of the second set, sealing Europe’s commanding edge.
Alcaraz loved the doubles vibe, saying, “It gives you more opportunities to make great shots and volleys. But it’s not just about one player—it’s a team effort. Jakub is a great player with fantastic skills; he made me comfortable on the court.”
Under Laver Cup rules, Day 1 wins count for one point each, but stakes ramp up with two points on Saturday and three on Sunday. The first team to 13 points out of 24 takes the crown. With this solid start, Team Europe heads into Day 2 full of confidence against a determined Team World.
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