Carlos Alcaraz secured a crucial victory over Taylor Fritz with scores of 6-2, 7-5, helping Team Europe win the Laver Cup 13-11 against Team World on Sunday.
Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam champion, dominated the first set and wrapped up the match to clinch Team Europe’s fifth Laver Cup title.
Team World had seemed strong on Saturday after Ben Shelton and Alejandro Tabilo beat Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud, giving their team an 8-4 lead.However, Team Europe, led by captain Bjorn Borg, showed resilience on the final day. Alcaraz and Ruud together defeated Americans Shelton and Frances Tiafoe 6-2, 7-6(6) in doubles, narrowing the gap to 8-7.
Team World fleetingly extended their lead when Shelton overcame Daniil Medvedev with scores of 6-7(6), 7-5, 10-7. This win put John McEnroe’s team close to their third consecutive title. Yet, Team Europe’s Alexander Zverev kept hopes alive by beating Tiafoe 6-7(5), 7-5, 10-5, sending the competition to a final session.
In the decisive match, French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz ensured victory for Team Europe.