Alcaraz and Mensik win doubles to put Team Europe up 3-1 after opening day of Laver Cup
Team Europe's Carlos Alcaraz, reacts after winning a point with playing partner Team Europe's Jakub Mensik during a Laver Cup tennis tournament doubles match against Team World's Alexander Bublik and Team World's Taylor Fritz, in London, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Credit: AP/Maja Smiejkowska
LONDON — Carlos Alcaraz and doubles partner Jakub Mensik gave Team Europe a 3-1 lead over Team World after the opening day of the Laver Cup on Friday.
Alcaraz and Mensik beat Alexander Bublik and Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 in the final match of the day at the O2 Arena.
Rafael Jodar had broken a 1-1 deadlock after the day session by defeating Bublik 6-2, 6-3 in the evening's singles match.
In the day session, Brandon Nakashima made the most of his Laver Cup debut by beating Mensik 6-1, 3-6, 10-7.
The 16th-ranked Nakashima was a late addition to Andre Agassi's roster after U.S. Open runner-up Ben Shelton withdrew last week.
In the event's opener, Casper Ruud beat Francisco Cerundolo 6-7 (4), 6-4, 10-8 to give Europe an early lead.
There are four matches per day in the three-day event.
Team World's captain Andre Agassi watches Team World's Francisco Cerundolo play against Team Europe's Casper Ruud during a Laver Cup tennis tournament match in London, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Credit: AP/Maja Smiejkowska
Wins are worth one point on Friday, two points on Saturday and three points on Sunday. The first team to reach 13 points wins.
Europe has won the Laver Cup five times while Team World took its third title in last year's edition of the Ryder Cup-style event.
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