Alcaraz-Mensik doubles win puts Team Europe up 3-1 at Laver Cup

Carlos Alcaraz and doubles partner Jakub Mensik gave a convincing start to Team Europe with a 3-1 lead over Team World at the Laver Cup opening day.

Alcaraz and Czech player Mensik handed down a straight set loss (6-4, 6-4) to Alexander Bublik and Taylor Fritz in the final match of the day at the O2 Arena on Friday, September 25.

The world number three, playing in only his second event since a four-month injury lay-off, stood out as tennis greats Rod Laver and Roger Federer.

The Spinard and Alexander Zverev, the reigning French Open were both kept in reserve by European captain Yannick Noah earlier on Friday.

Casper Ruud earned the first point of the tournament by beating Francisco Cerundolo with a narrow margin of 10-8 in a crucial tie-break.

Brandon Nakashima fought back for Team World, also edging out Mensik in a tie-break after the first two sets were split.

The rising Spanish star Rafael Jodar showed plenty of enthusiasm and energy on his debut Laver Cup with a straight set win (6-2, 6-3) over Bublik.

In a three-day event, there are four matches being played per day.

The Laver Cup format sees points increase each day: wins are worth one point on the opening day (Friday), two on Saturday, three on Sunday, and the first team to reach 13 points wins the tournament.

Europe has won the Laver Cup five times while the reigning champion Team World, has lifted the title thrice.