Americans Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton leveled Team World with Team Europe at the close of the first day of the Laver Cup, defeating Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev 7-6(5), 6-4 in Friday’s doubles match. Europe had initially led 2-1 after the singles contests, with Stefanos Tsitsipas dominating Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-1, 6-4, and Grigor Dimitrov edging out Alejandro Tabilo 7-6(4), 7-6(2). However, Fritz and Shelton’s powerful performance ensured the day ended evenly.
The much-anticipated duo of Wimbledon champion Alcaraz and world number two Zverev couldn’t match the energy of the American pair, who fired 20 winners en route to their victory. “We both served really well under pressure,” Fritz remarked post-match. “Ben served incredibly well, so I didn’t have to hit any volleys. That was huge.”
Earlier, Bulgaria’s Dimitrov kicked off the evening session with a thrilling win against Chilean Tabilo, rallying from 5-1 down in the second set to secure victory. “Great fight,” Dimitrov said. “When I was down, I tried to focus on each point, building momentum into the tiebreak.” Despite his win, Dimitrov struggled physically, grimacing in pain throughout the match. “The body’s been struggling, but I’m playing great tennis,” he admitted.
The day started with Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina earning the first point for Team World by defeating Norway’s world number nine, Casper Ruud, 6-4, 6-4. Despite a strong start by Ruud, Cerundolo took control on the Laver Cup’s iconic black hard court. Tsitsipas then brought Europe into the contest by sweeping past Australia’s Kokkinakis.
Both teams arrived at Berlin’s Uber Arena dressed in black tuxedos and bow ties for the three-day tournament. Victories on the first day are worth one point each, with two points for wins on day two, and three points for triumphs on the final day.
[Source: Ruters]
