Carlos Alcaraz helped Team Europe take a strong 3-1 lead over Team World on the opening day of the Laver Cup 2025 in San Francisco. The world No.1 is playing his first tournament since winning the US Open earlier this month and looked sharp in his doubles match.

Alcaraz teamed up with Czech star Jakub Mensik to defeat Taylor Fritz and Alex Michelsen 7-6 (9-7), 6-4. The Spanish star showed his trademark flair at the net, while Mensik added power from the baseline. The pair did not face a single break point during the match.

Earlier in the day, Casper Ruud gave Team Europe the lead with a 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) win over American Reilly Opelka. Mensik then extended the lead by beating Michelsen 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 10-8. Team World managed to pull one point back through Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, who beat Italy’s Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 6-3.

Alcaraz praised his young partner after the win:
“Doubles is not about one player, it’s about teamwork. Jakub has great skills, and he made me feel very comfortable on the court.”

Alcaraz has been in incredible form this season, winning seven titles and losing only six of his 67 matches on the ATP Tour 2025.

In the Laver Cup format, wins on day one are worth one point, day two wins are worth two points, and day three victories are worth three points. The first team to reach 13 points wins the trophy. Team Europe have dominated the event so far, winning five of the seven editions.