Team Europe took a 3-1 lead over Team World in the first day of action at the eighth edition of the Laver Cup in San Francisco. Jakub Mensik earned the singles victory over Alex Michelsen before joining forces with Carlos Alcaraz.
In the final match of the day, the Czech and the Spaniard defeated Alex Michelsen and Taylor Fritz 7-6, 6-4 in an hour and 43 minutes. Thus, Carlos earned his ninth Laver Cup point ahead of Saturday's singles action.
Team Europe dominated behind the first serve and faced no break points, keeping the pressure on the other side. The Americans struggled behind the second serve and suffered one break from three chances offered to their rivals.
The Americans denied a break point in the first game of the match after Fritz's ace. They served well in the upcoming games, and Team World held after a deuce for 5-4.
Carlos and Jakub held at love in game ten for more action before earning a break chance in game 11. Alcaraz missed a volley and an opportunity to send his team in front.
The set reacheda tie break, and it went down to the wire. Michelsen missed a set point on serve at 6-5 before Mensik fired a forehand down the line winner at 8-7 to clinch the opener for Team Europe.
Jakub and Carlos provided five comfortable holds in the second set. Their rivals kept the pace and held after deuces in game eight for more drama. The Czech secured the ninth game with a service winner and kept the pressure on the other side.
The Czech landed a crafty winner on the return at 5-4 and generated a match point for his squad. Team Europe converted it after Fritz's backhand error, celebrating the third point of the day.
