The ninth edition of the Laver Cup got underway at The O2 in London on Friday, featuring tight battles between reigning champions Team World and Team Europe across the first four matches of the weekend.
Night doubles wrapped up Day 1 of the six-man team competition with European duo Carlos Alcaraz and Jakub Mensik facing off against title defenders Alexander Bublik and Taylor Fritz.
In perfect synchrony, the seven-time major champion and the Czech player took the last point available of the day for Team Europe, courtesy of a 6-4, 6-4 win in one hour and 27 minutes on the black court.
Alcaraz made a huge difference with his all-court game, as the hard-fought duel unfolded, neutralizing their opponents in crucial moments.
The big-serving Team World pair capitalized on their biggest weapon, but ultimately, the triumph eluded them.
"I'm just trying to have fun in every place that I go and on every court that I play on," Alcaraz commented. "I don't usually play doubles... I try to enjoy and be better at things."
Adding: "I use doubles to try and improve my tennis, a couple of adjustments. Having a partner like Jakub, it's really easy to have fun on the court."
Day 1 as It Happened
Five-time champions Team Europe dominated the inaugural day of action in London, winning three of the four matches between singles and doubles contested on Friday at The O2.
The tournament’s opening match saw Casper Ruud rally from a set down to secure the first point for Team Europe by beating Francisco Cerundolo 6-7(4), 6-4, 10-8 in two hours and six minutes.
“It was a great start for us. Every point on the board is important. I knew that,” Ruud explained.
“Even though I was down one set to love, I felt, ‘Let’s try to pull this one out for the team and get a point on the board’. It’s never over until it’s over.
"Being a match tiebreak in the third makes you even more willing to really fight to win at least one set to get it into match tiebreak.”
The 27-year-old is the only player to compete in six consecutive Laver Cup editions.
Moreover, Friday's contest marked the former world No. 2's return to action after spending five weeks sidelined with a back injury, which forced him to retire from his match in Cincinnati and miss the US Open.
In the afternoon, Brandon Nakashima played his inaugural match at the team event.
Continuing his run of form, the American player split the scoreline 1-1 for Team World with a solid display, defeating Mensik 6-1, 3-6, 10-7.
In his on-court interview, the world No. 16 said: “My first match at the Laver Cup, there were obviously some nerves coming out, but it’s pretty normal.
“When I lost the second set, I just tried to tell myself to fight for every point, to trust the guys on the bench and myself. I’m really happy with the win.”
Team World, led by captain Andre Agassi, is seeking to retain the title the men in red captured for the third time in San Francisco last season.
With sports icon Roger Federer in attendance, the night session featured the first meeting ever between Rafael Jodar and Alexander Bublik, both making their maiden appearance at the prestigious venue.
The 20-year-old Spaniard delivered a scintillating performance to seal the first set 6-2.
Excited to push forward, Jodar won four games in a row to start the second set in commanding fashion.
Then, Bublik converted the break and held to narrow his deficit to 2-4.
However, the rising star would not be denied a straight-set victory, giving Team Europe a 2-1 advantage, which he celebrated alongside captain Yannick Noah and his teammates.
“It was a pleasure to represent Team Europe for the first time,” he remarked courtside.
“I felt great on court. I played against a tough player… The atmosphere was great.”
All in all, the world No. 14 hit 22 winners to just 15 unforced errors, converted four of nine break points, and won 81 percent of the points on his first serve.
A team must reach 13 points to win the Laver Cup.
On Saturday, the action continues with three singles ties and a doubles matchup, each worth double points.