Key Takeaways
- Following the first day at The O2 in London, Team Europe held a 3–1 advantage against Team World, but Pat Rafter cautioned, “We’re in trouble.”
- After overcoming Francisco Cerundolo, Casper Ruud observed that “it’s never over until it’s over” Brandon Nakashima, meanwhile, secured Team World’s lone point.
- Jakub Mensik and Carlos Alcaraz clinched the doubles match against Taylor Fritz and Alexander Bublik, after which Mensik said, “I think he could be world number 1 even in doubles.”
Team Europe establishes an early lead at The O2
The 2026 Laver Cup began at The O2 in London, where the event is being staged from 25 to 27 September. Team Europe finished the first day in front, taking a 3–1 lead over Team World. The scoring increases as the tournament progresses: each Friday win is worth 1 point, victories on Saturday count for 2, and Sunday matches offer 3. The trophy goes to the first team to collect 13 points.
Results from the first day
| Winner | Runner-up | Score |
|---|---|---|
| C. Ruud (Team Europe) | F. Cerundolo (Team World) | 6-4, 6-4, 10-8 |
| B. Nakashima (Team World) | J. Mensik (Team Europe) | 6-1, 3-6, 10-7 |
| R. Jodar (Team Europe) | A. Bublik (Team World) | 6-2, 6-3 |
| C. Alcaraz / J. Mensik (Team Europe) | A. Bublik / T. Fritz (Team World) | 6-4, 6-4 |
Singles matches shape the early contest
Casper Ruud opened the competition by coming through a closely fought encounter with Francisco Cerundolo. Reflecting on his demanding victory in London, Ruud said, “It’s never over until it’s over,” Team World quickly drew level at 1–1 as Brandon Nakashima denied Jakub Mensik in a match tiebreak. Discussing his last-minute selection, Nakashima remarked, “It was a quick yes from me,” After delivering his team’s only point of the opening session, he also said that “it felt amazing out there”
Rafael Jodar swung the momentum back toward Team Europe with a commanding straight-sets singles victory against Alexander Bublik. Recalling his dream winning debut, Jodar said, “I didn’t think 2 times,” Before the tournament, Bublik had outlined his desire to entertain, saying, “I just came here to bring the good tennis and bring some laughs in.”
European grip strengthened by doubles victory
The day’s final match saw Carlos Alcaraz join forces with Mensik to beat Team World’s Alexander Bublik and Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4. Impressed by how well they combined, Mensik praised his Spanish teammate by saying, “I think he could be world number 1 even in doubles.” Alcaraz was similarly upbeat about the partnership and the backing from the dugout, explaining, “I enjoy that a lot.”
Team World’s loss in doubles added to the challenge awaiting them in the remaining sessions. Assessing his team’s difficulties in that discipline, Pat Rafter admitted, “We’re in trouble,” Captain Andre Agassi will seek a response from Team World on Saturday. He had already been assured of the squad’s complete backing, with Fritz saying, “Andre’s our captain. Andre is our leader.”
