Team Europe holds a 2-1 lead over the rest of the world after the opening three singles matches at the ninth edition of the Laver Cup in London’s O2 Arena. Casper Ruud secured the first point for the European side by overcoming Francisco Cerúndolo in a tense three-set battle, before Jakub Menšík fell to Brandon Nakashima. Rafael Jódar restored the home team’s lead by defeating Alexander Bublik in straight sets.
Ruud Edges Cerúndolo to Put Europe on the Board
The opening match between Casper Ruud and Francisco Cerúndolo lived up to expectations of a tight contest, stretching to an hour and six minutes for the first set alone without a single break point. Cerúndolo claimed the opening tie-break 7-4 to take the lead. Ruud responded in the second set, securing the crucial break in the ninth game to take it 6-4. In the deciding super tie-break, the Norwegian player kept his nerve under pressure to win 10-8, putting Team Europe ahead.
Menšík Slips Against Nakashima Before Responding in Doubles
Jakub Menšík endured a difficult start in his encounter against Brandon Nakashima, dropping the first set 6-1 after falling into an early 0-5 deficit in just 17 minutes while struggling with his service rhythm. The Czech teenager rebounded in the second set, dropping only two points across the opening three games to establish a 3-0 lead and ultimately take the set 6-3. Nakashima ultimately claimed the deciding super tie-break 10-7 to level the overall matchup. Menšík returned later in the opening day alongside Carlos Alcaraz for doubles action against Alexander Bublik and Taylor Fritz.
Jódar Overpowers Bublik to Restore European Advantage
Rafael Jódar delivered the most straightforward singles result of the opening session, defeating Alexander Bublik 6-2, 6-3. After a competitive start to the first set up to 2-2, the Spanish youngster seized control with aggressive play, breaking the Kazakh player twice consecutively to close out the opener in 45 minutes. Bublik struggled on serve in the second set, falling behind 0-4 before a brief rally fell short as Jódar sealed the victory to push Europe ahead 2-1.
Laver Cup Scoring Format
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