Laver Cup: Europe seize early advantage as Carlos Alcaraz and Jakub Mensik shine

The 19-year-old Czech gave Europe their first singles win by overcoming American Alex Michelsen, before returning to court alongside Carlos Alcaraz to close the day with a vital doubles victory.

The pair defeated Michelsen and Taylor Fritz 7-6, 6-4 in a contest lasting one hour and 43 minutes, ensuring Europe head into Saturday with the momentum firmly in their favour.

The doubles encounter saw Europe dominate behind their first serve, facing no break points across two sets. By contrast, Michelsen and Fritz struggled to back up their second serve and were broken once from three chances faced.

The opening set swung on fine margins. Team World denied a break point in the first game with a Fritz ace and held for 5-4 after a tense deuce. Mensik and Alcaraz answered with a love hold, before Alcaraz narrowly missed a volley on Europe's chance in game 11.

In the tie-break, Michelsen squandered a set point at 6-5, and Mensik fired a forehand winner down the line to seal it 8-7.

The second set was steadier for Europe, who enjoyed five comfortable service games. Mensik's precision return created match point at 5-4, and Fritz's backhand error handed Europe their third point of the day.

For Alcaraz, it marked his ninth career Laver Cup point, setting up his singles duties on Saturday. 

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