Europe seeks their sixth title in seven Ryder Cup-like events; first to 13 of 24 points wins the crown
San Francisco
Team Europe made a strong start at the Laver Cup 2025, winning three of four matches on the opening day at the Chase Center to seize a 3-1 advantage over Team World.
The highlight came in the doubles, where new world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz partnered Jakub Mensik to defeat Taylor Fritz and Alex Michelsen 7-6(7), 6-4. The breakthrough came in the second set’s 10th game when the young European duo secured the decisive break. Alcaraz, fresh off his U.S. Open triumph, said doubles allowed him to “make great shots and volleys,” while praising Mensik’s skills.
Earlier, Casper Ruud put Europe ahead with a 6-4, 7-6(4) win over Reilly Opelka. Mensik then extended the lead after a tight contest, edging Michelsen 6-1, 7-6(3), 10-8. Team World avoided a sweep through 17-year-old Joao Fonseca, who defeated Italy’s Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 6-3 with fearless aggression. Fonseca said he focused on staying positive and keeping pressure on his opponent.
Europe are chasing their sixth title in seven editions of the event, tennis’ equivalent of golf’s Ryder Cup. Under the format, Day 1 wins earn one point, Day 2 matches count for two, and Day 3 carries three points each. The first team to reach 13 out of 24 points claims the crown.
Despite Fonseca’s win, Europe’s commanding 3-1 lead positions them strongly heading into Saturday’s higher-stakes clashes, where momentum could decide the championship path.