Team Europe secured their fifth Laver Cup trophy in Berlin on Sunday, ending Team World’s two-year reign. World no. 3 Carlos Alcaraz shined on his debut at this event, delivering three points for the blue squad and sharing the beautiful trophy with his teammates.
The Spaniard wrote history books, becoming the first player to collect eight points in a single Laver Cup campaign. His teammate Casper Ruud congratulated him, thanking the four-time Major winner for saving them. Team World led 8-4 after the second day and had three chances to secure the third straight title.
However, Alcaraz and Ruud kicked off the final day with a doubles win before Zverev and the Spaniard claimed singles triumphs and propelled their squad over the top. Casper and Carlos met Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe and scored a 6-2, 7-6 victory, playing well together and keeping Team Europe alive.
The Europeans grabbed two breaks in the opening set while serving well and keeping their rivals behind after defending both break points.
Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud scored the doubles win at the Laver Cup in Berlin.
The Americans squandered a break chance in the second game of the encounter and suffered a break in the next one following a perfect volley winner from world no.
3. Team Europe saved another break point in the fourth game and gained three break chances at 3-1 after Alcaraz’s crafty volley winner. Ruud drew Shelton’s mistake at the net on the third, securing the second straight break for his squad.
The Europeans served well in games six and eight, wrapping up the opener after 37 minutes of flawless tennis. Carlos secured the second game of the second set with a volley winner before Casper and he made a push on the return in the next one.
The Americans denied two break points, remaining on the positive side. Team Europe served to stay in the set in the tenth game, holding at love and prolonging the action.
Team World denied a break point in the 11th game before Ruud landed a volley winner in the next one, introducing a tie break. It kicked off with mini-breaks before the blue team forged a 3-1 lead. Shelton landed a beautiful volley winner in the seventh point, reducing the deficit to 4-3.
The red team rattled off three points, opening a 5-4 lead and hoping to extend the duel. Still, Team Europe won two points on serve, creating a match point and missing it for more drama. Ben sprayed a forehand error in the 13th point, offering his rivals the second match point. Alcaraz drew Tiafoe’s mistake, sealing the deal and celebrating notable three points for his team with Ruud.
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