Carlos Alcaraz takes top billing as Europe dominate first day of Laver Cup

A pumped-up Carlos Alcaraz delighted a London crowd containing Roger Federer to win in the Laver Cup doubles alongside Jakub Mensik and put Team Europe 3-1 up after day one.

Seven-time grand slam champion Alcaraz only returned from a four-month lay-off with a wrist injury at the US Open after he missed Wimbledon and Queen’s, but kept this Ryder Cup-style event on his calendar and was in the thick of the action on Friday.

World number three Alcaraz relished his opportunity to give out coaching instructions on a first appearance of 2026 in England before he ended up on the floor in celebration after a win for Casper Ruud during the day session.

Hours later, with a silver chain on show along with a white compression sleeve on his right arm, Alcaraz brushed off a couple of early wayward volleys to sparkle at The O2 with an array of forehand winners and deft touches at the net during 87 minutes on court in front of all-time great Federer.

Alcaraz and partner Mensik downed Taylor Fritz and Alexander Bublik by a 6-4 6-4 score to bring the curtain down on an entertaining and successful first day for Team Europe after earlier wins for Ruud and Rafael Jodar.

“I am trying to have fun every place I go and every court I play on and especially doubles,” Alcaraz said during his on-court interview.

“I try to enjoy, try to be better and try to improve my tennis, my things and a couple of adjustments.

“I am trying to enjoy as much as I can and having a partner like Jakub, it is really easy to have fun on the court.”

Mensik added: “We didn’t do it that much to be honest during the week, and especially me.

“For Carlos, it doesn’t matter if he plays singles or doubles, I think he could be world number one even in doubles!”

Ruud kicked off the action and marked his sixth appearance for Team Europe with a 6-7 (4) 6-4 10-8 victory over Francisco Cerundolo to floor a jubilant Alcaraz.

Alcaraz was in the ear of the two-time French Open runner-up Ruud during a difficult first set and the Norwegian eventually clinched the opener in London after a tense final point in the match tie-break.

It ended with Alcaraz in a heap on top of team-mates Jodar and Flavio Cobolli after a Ruud winner before the Spaniard got up to join the celebrations, but Team World debutant Brandon Nakashima got Andre Agassi’s men on the board with win over Mensik.

After Nakashima was victorious by a 6-1 3-6 10-7 score, the American was labelled “AI” by captain Agassi.

“He’s rock solid,” Agassi said. “I’m not convinced he is real. I think he is AI. He just goes about his business point after point after point.”

Spanish sensation Jodar dismantled Bublik in emphatic fashion but only after he required the help of captain Yannick Noah to assist with more shoelace issues in the third game.

Jodar has risen up the rankings during the past 12 months and yet caused occasional ire with frequent problems with his trainers. After he resolved this issue and received encouragement from Alcaraz, the big-hitting 20-year-old smashed his way to a 6-2 6-3 win in front of Federer.

“I’m very happy to represent (Team Europe) and I also want to thank Roger who was in the stands watching me. It’s a pleasure,” Jodar said.

All eyes were then on Alcaraz and he did not disappoint.

An early bullet forehand down the line was a sign of things to come and a succession of volleys at the net, including on match point, inspired Team Europe to a 3-1 lead after day one.