Team Europe is back in contention for the Laver Cup crown in San Francisco. The bluesquad clinched three points in the opening match of Sunday's program and reduced the gap to Team World to 9-7.
Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud stepped onto the court against Reilly Opelka and Alex Michelsen and scored a 7-6, 6-1 victory in an hour and 35 minutes for more drama ahead of singles action.
The Europeans served well and faced no break points. The Americans felt the pressure and cracked under it after a marvelous first set that went down to the wire.
Alex and Reilly played against 13 break points, eight in the opening set. They finally lost the pace in set number two, with each player losing serve once en route to the exit door.
Alcaraz and Ruud made a strong start and generated six break points in the opening two return games. Michelsen and Opelka denied them and avoided an early setback.
The Americans survived two more challenging games and reached a tie break. They grabbed a mini-break in the third game and forged a 4-1 advantage, looking good to turn the tables completely.
However, Carlos and Casper regrouped and launched their comeback. They grabbed two points on the return for a 5-4 lead and clinched the breaker 7-4 after Ruud's service winner.
Team Europe gained a boost and made another push on the return at 1-0 in the second set. They finally seized the fourth break point after drawing Reilly's mistake to move in front.
Carlos landed a remarkable volley winner in the fourth game for another break and a 4-0 advantage. World no. 1 closed the fifth game at love after a booming serve.
Team Europe held at 30 at 5-1 to emerge at the top and reduce the overall deficit.
