VANCOUVER — On the opening day of the 2024 Laver Cup, Team Europe’s young superstar, Carlos Alcaraz, emphatically answered any questions about his energy levels following a grueling season, powering his team to a commanding 3-1 lead over Team World at Rogers Arena.
The 21-year-old Spaniard, who arrived in Canada fresh off a semifinal run at the US Open, was the headline act on Friday, delivering a scintillating 7-6(3), 7-6(5) victory over the always-dangerous Argentine, Francisco Cerundolo. The win gave Europe a crucial third point on the day.
When asked post-match about potential fatigue, Alcaraz was unequivocal in his response, stating with a smile, "I have enough battery to play here, to give my 100%... I'm really happy to be here and obviously I will have time to rest after Laver Cup."
A Strong Start for Team Europe
The day’s action began with a statement of intent from Team Europe. French veteran Gaël Monfils, a late replacement for the injured Daniil Medvedev, rolled back the years with a dominant 6-4, 6-3 win over Team World’s Ben Shelton. Monfils’ electrifying play and crowd interaction set a positive tone for the European squad.
The second match saw a major shift in momentum as Team World’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, playing in front of a passionate home Canadian crowd, leveled the score. He overcame a stern challenge from Europe’s Hubert Hurkacz, eventually prevailing 7-6(6), 7-6(4) in a tense tiebreak-filled battle.
Alcaraz Steps Up Under Pressure
With the team score tied at 1-1, the pressure fell squarely on the shoulders of Alcaraz in the day’s marquee evening session. His opponent, Cerundolo, proved to be a formidable challenge, matching the Wimbledon champion’s power and fighting off break points in a tight first set.
The match was a showcase of high-octane tennis, with neither player able to secure a break of serve. The outcome was decided entirely in tiebreaks, where Alcaraz’s big-match experience and clutch shot-making made the critical difference. Key factors in his victory included:
- First Serve Dominance: Alcaraz fired 10 aces and won 84% of his first-serve points.
- Clutch Mentality: He saved all three break points faced during the match.
- Net Play: He won 16 of 19 points at the net, constantly applying pressure.
Team Europe Captain Björn Borg was full of praise for his young charge, noting, "Carlos showed why he is one of the best players in the world. To play like that under this pressure, it was fantastic for the team. He brings so much energy."
Doubles Delight Seals the Day
Riding the wave of momentum from Alcaraz’s win, the European duo of Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud took to the court to face the Team World pair of Tommy Paul and Auger-Aliassime. The European pair displayed impeccable chemistry to secure a 6-3, 7-6(1) victory, extending Europe’s overall lead.
The win was particularly sweet for Rublev and Ruud, who capitalized on their powerful groundstrokes and effective returning to neutralize the Americans' serve-and-volley tactics. Their performance ensured Team Europe would sleep on a healthy lead, needing just five more points over the next two days to reclaim the Laver Cup.
Looking Ahead to Day Two
With points doubling in value on Saturday, the competition intensifies. Team World Captain John McEnroe acknowledged the challenge but remained defiant. "We’re behind, but it’s far from over. We need to come out firing tomorrow. Every point is critical now," he stated.
The day two schedule promises more thrilling matchups, with Alcaraz slated to return for a potentially pivotal doubles rubber alongside his compatriot and idol, Rafael Nadal. This dream pairing is one of the most anticipated moments of the entire weekend.
Other key matches include:
- Andrey Rublev (Europe) vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime (World)
- Casper Ruud (Europe) vs. Tommy Paul (World)
- A second doubles match featuring top players from both teams.
A Statement of Intent
Team Europe’s strong start in Vancouver is a stark contrast to their defeat last year in London. The presence and performance of Carlos Alcaraz have provided a massive boost, both in terms of points on the board and team morale.
His declaration of having "enough battery" should serve as a warning to Team World. A motivated and energetic Alcaraz, combined with the legendary leadership of Borg and the fiery passion of Nadal on the bench, makes Europe a formidable unit as they seek to win back the trophy named in honor of their captain.
As day one concluded, the message from Team Europe was clear: they are here to fight for every point. With Alcaraz leading the charge, they have positioned themselves perfectly to achieve their goal, proving that even at the end of a long season, their competitive spirit is fully charged.