Alcaraz inspires Europe to 3-1 Laver Cup lead on opening day
Carlos Alcaraz helped Europe build a 3-1 lead over Team World on the opening day of the Laver Cup at the O2 Arena on 25 September 2026, partnering Jakub Mensik to a 6-4, 6-4 doubles victory.
Alcaraz, making his third Laver Cup appearance and a seven-time grand slam champion, was as prominent off court as on it, frequently cheering from the sidelines and offering tactical advice alongside Europe captains Yannick Noah and Tim Henman. The week carries particular individual significance for Alcaraz as he attempts to regain form while other players approach the final stretch of the season.
Casper Ruud produced a comeback to beat Francisco Cerundolo 6-7 (4), 6-4, 10-8 in the opening singles match; Alcaraz reacted to Ruud’s match-clinching smash with a jubilant scream and slid from his seat to the floor while repeatedly encouraging his teammates. During an on-court exchange with Ruud, Alcaraz suggested more down-the-line backhands and drop shots to unsettle Cerundolo, saying the aim should be to “make [Cerundolo] think a little bit more.”
Alcaraz’s doubles appearance alongside Jakub Mensik was only his second competitive match since returning from a right wrist injury that kept him out from April until August. His comeback began at the US Open two weeks earlier, where he lost a fifth-set tiebreak to Ben Shelton at 3.33am and was described as beaming in the corridor afterwards at being healthy and competing again.
The article noted the indoor swing at the end of the year remains a section of the season Alcaraz has yet to conquer, and that faster indoor conditions have previously exposed his more temperamental serve. The reporting also said his late-season dips have often been linked to physical and mental fatigue; Alcaraz said: “I know that I have really important tournaments ahead of me, tournaments that I really want to win at least once, and if we see the record for me, the last part of the season it’s never been my good point,” he said. “But hopefully, right now that I’m just fresh mentally, physically, I’m feeling great. So hopefully, I’m gonna do great tournaments and try to find my good tennis again soon.”
Other results on the opening night included Brandon Nakashima’s 6-1, 3-6, 10-7 win over Jakub Mensik for Team World and the O2 Arena debut of 19-year-old Rafael Jodar, who dismantled Alexander Bublik to lead 6-2, 4-0 before closing out a 6-2, 6-3 victory. Jannik Sinner announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Beijing Open on Friday, extending his injury layoff to three months, and Jodar’s performance drew audible surprise from players on both benches and vigorous fist pumps in the warm-up room from his elder countryman, who by comparison is now an old veteran.
Europe lead Team World 3-1 after the opening day, with the focus of the weekend at the O2 Arena remaining on the two teams as the Laver Cup continues.