Alcaraz makes winning debut at Laver Cup

Carlos Alcaraz kicked off his Laver Cup debut on Saturday as his win over Ben Shelton drew team Europe level 4-all with Team World on the second day of the international squad competition.

The former No. 1 who holds Roland Garros and Wimbledon titles, squared the day session in Berlin as he defeated team Ben Shelton 6-4, 6-4.

Earlier Frances Tiafoe got World away with his 3-6, 6-4, 10-5 upset of Daniil Medvedev in day 2 singles.

Alcaraz needed an hour and three-quarters to complete his day;s success for captain Bjorn Borg’s side.

The Spaniard saved all five break points he faced and handed American Shelton his first losing sets from five career matches played in the event.

Winds on Saturday earn two points each, with the first side to 13 by Sunday event taking the win.

Tiafoe admitted he was out for a good time on court as he earned the day’s first points for his World side.
 “It was crazy, I played pretty well there in that second set,” the US Open semi-finalist said. “Honestly, I just started having fun.

“Mmidway in the second (set) and in the tiebreak, I felt like I was Roger Federer, honestly,” he added as the great man sat in the audience in Berlin.

“When I’m having fun, I’m dangerous, and that’s what I’m doing right now.”

Tiafoe, who had lost five previous matches to No. 5 Medvedev, won in 95 minutes  

The American is playing the competition for a fifth time and is credited with clinching the first-ever victory for World in London two years ago with his final-day defeat of Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Since then, World added a victory last season after losing the first four Laver editions to Europe.

Tiafoe was also on the doubles side which beat Federer and Rafael Nadal in the Swiss icon’s last career match that weekend at the O2 arena.

Main photo:- Carlos Alcaraz makes winning start in Laver Cup 2024 – by Laver Cup.com