The Laver Cup, an annual men’s tennis tournament that pits Team Europe against Team World, has once again delivered high drama and intense competition. As the first day of matches concluded in Berlin, the score stands evenly poised at 2-2, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of tennis.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the doubles match, where American duo Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton faced off against the formidable pairing of Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev. In a match filled with thrilling rallies and high-stakes points, Fritz and Shelton emerged victorious, winning 7-6 (5), 6-4. This victory was crucial for Team World, leveling the overall score and keeping their hopes alive.
Earlier in the day, Francisco Cerundolo of Team World gave his team an early lead by defeating Casper Ruud of Team Europe in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. Cerundolo’s aggressive play and consistent serving proved too much for Ruud, who struggled with unforced errors throughout the match.
Team Europe quickly responded with Stefanos Tsitsipas dominating Thanasi Kokkinakis, 6-1, 6-4. Tsitsipas, who had previously lost to Kokkinakis at the U.S. Open, showcased his adaptability and skill on the indoor hard courts, securing a vital point for his team.
The third singles match saw Grigor Dimitrov of Team Europe take on Alejandro Tabilo of Team World. In a closely contested battle, Dimitrov edged out Tabilo in two tiebreak sets, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (2), giving Team Europe a temporary lead.
With the doubles match concluding the day’s play, both teams are now tied at 2-2. The Laver Cup’s unique format, where points increase in value each day, means that the competition is still wide open. As the tournament progresses, the intensity is sure to ramp up, with each match carrying significant weight.
Fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters as top players from both teams continue to battle it out for supremacy. The camaraderie, sportsmanship, and high-level tennis on display make the Laver Cup a standout event in the tennis calendar, and this year’s edition is proving to be no exception.
Alexander Zverev in 2024
Now ranked no.2 (career-high), Zverev played his last match on the 3rd of September when he surrendered to world no.7 Taylor Fritz 7-6(2) 3-6 6-4 7-6(3) in the quarter of the U.S. Open (draw).
Currently, during this year the German has achieved a 56-17 match record. The German has won 2 titles in 2024 in Australia and Rome. The German got to the final at the French Open and Hamburg.
Zverev will compete next in Beijing (China Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 26th of September.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
Ranked no.3, Carlos played his last match on the 13th of September when he beat world no.18 Ugo Humbert 6-3 6-3 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
Currently, during this season Carlos has a 41-9 win-loss record. Alcaraz conquered 3 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open and Wimbledon. Carlos was the runner-up in Paris.
Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz played each other 12 times. Their actual head to head record is 7-5 for Zverev.