Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton strike in doubles to leave Laver Cup level
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On Friday, American players Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev with a score of 7-6(5), 6-4 in doubles. This win brought Team World even with Team Europe at the conclusion of the first day of the Laver Cup.
After Europe gained a 2-1 advantage from the singles games—thanks to Stefanos Tsitsipas decisively defeating Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-1, 6-4 and Grigor Dimitrov edging out Alejandro Tabilo with a score of 7-6(4), 7-6(2)—Fritz and Shelton stepped up to ensure the day concluded in a tie.
The exciting combination of Wimbledon champion Alcaraz, making his first appearance at the Laver Cup, and world number two Zverev found it tough to match the American pair, who fired off 20 winners to claim victory.
"We both handled the pressure really well," Fritz mentioned in a post-match interview. "Ben's serving was outstanding, which meant I hardly had to make any volleys. That was a big help."
Bulgaria’s Dimitrov started the evening at the Uber Arena with an exciting win against Tabilo, staging a remarkable comeback after trailing 5-1 in the second set to defeat the Chilean player.
"That was an awesome match," Dimitrov commented. "When I found myself struggling in the second set, I focused on staying patient and taking it one point at a time. I gradually began to gain some momentum, which really helped me as I approached the tiebreak."
Despite his efforts, things didn't unfold as Dimitrov had hoped. He seemed to be in discomfort, often wincing throughout the match.
"My body has been having a tough time, and I won't pretend otherwise," he admitted. "I believe I'm playing really well, but my body just isn't letting me push a bit further."
Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo kicked off the day for Team World by defeating world number nine Casper Ruud with a score of 6-4, 6-4. Although the Norwegian made a strong start, Cerundolo managed to take control of the match on the Laver Cup's distinctive black hard court.
Tsitsipas put Europe ahead by easily defeating Australia's Kokkinakis.
Before the three-day team competition, athletes from both squads came to Berlin's Uber Arena looking sharp in black tuxedos and bow ties. On the first day, each win earns one point, on the second day, victories are worth two points, and the final day offers three points for each win.
