Team Europe opened the Laver Cup with a strong start, taking a commanding 2-0 lead on Friday thanks to impressive singles victories by Casper Ruud and Jakub Mensik. This early advantage sets a positive tone for the team as they look to secure the title.
Highlights of the Matches
Casper Ruud was the first to take the court, where he faced off against American Reilly Opelka. Ruud’s performance was nothing short of stellar, as he won the match with scores of 6-4 and 7-6(4). Utilizing a slightly smaller racquet head, the Norwegian showcased exceptional control over his service games. Ruud dominated by winning 45 out of 51 points on his first serve and successfully saved both break points he encountered. His consistent baseline play allowed him to secure a higher percentage of points on return, emphasizing his superiority throughout the match.
Following Ruud, the young Czech star Jakub Mensik faced Alex Michelsen from Team World. In a thrilling encounter, Mensik triumphed with scores of 6-1, 6-7(3), and 10-8. The match was particularly tense, as Mensik was on the verge of closing it out in straight sets while leading 6-1, 5-3. However, a break allowed Michelsen to push the match into a second-set tie-break, which Mensik ultimately lost. In the decisive match tie-break, Mensik surged ahead with a 4-0 lead but faced a challenge as Michelsen fought back to 8-7. Nevertheless, Mensik maintained his composure and clinched the victory on his first match point with a powerful serve that resulted in a long backhand from Michelsen.
Looking ahead, the evening session promises more excitement. Flavio Cobolli is set to compete against Joao Fonseca, followed by a highly anticipated doubles match featuring Carlos Alcaraz and Mensik taking on the duo of Taylor Fritz and Michelsen. With Team Europe’s strong start, fans are eager to see if they can continue their winning streak and ultimately secure the Laver Cup trophy.