Carlos Alcaraz and Jakub Mensik defeated Alexander Bublik and Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 in the doubles competition at the Laver Cup, extending Team Europe’s overall lead on Friday. Alcaraz did not play in the singles lineup on Friday, preserving his energy for Saturday and Sunday matches, but delivered a disciplined performance in a doubles format where he is increasingly finding his comfort zone.
Teamed alongside Mensik—who earlier in the day dropped a singles match to Brandon Nakashima—the Spanish star neutralized the powerful serves of Team World’s Fritz and Bublik. Neither pair had prior experience playing together on the professional circuit, but Alcaraz and Mensik displayed superior court chemistry and consistency throughout the two-set encounter.
Securing a single service break in each set proved decisive as Alcaraz and Mensik locked down Team Europe’s third victory of the opening day. Earlier results included Casper Ruud defeating Francisco Cerúndolo and Rafael Jódar overcoming Bublik.
Standings Stakes and Weekend Format
Despite the early European advantage, the points structure leaves the tournament wide open heading into the weekend. Saturday matches carry two points per win, while Sunday fixtures escalate to three points per victory.
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Saturday’s schedule features three singles matches—with Alcaraz slated to feature in one—followed by a concluding doubles encounter. Under tournament regulations, the Laver Cup cannot be decided on Saturday regardless of results, because the championship requires a team to reach 13 points. Even if Team Europe sweeps all four matches on Saturday, their total would reach 11 points, requiring at least one additional victory on Sunday to claim the trophy.
