Alcaraz leads Team Europe to thrilling Laver Cup victory

European team clinches 13-11 win over Team World after dramatic final day in Vancouver

BERLIN:

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Taylor Fritz 6-2, 7-5 to secure a 13-11 win for Team Europe over Team World in the final session of the Laver Cup on Sunday.

The four-time Grand Slam champion cruised through a dominant first set before overcoming Fritz, the US Open finalist, to help Team Europe claim their fifth Laver Cup title.

“It’s been fantastic. Obviously, we came here as a team with the goal of winning the Laver Cup, and I’m really happy. I think everyone on our team feels the same,” Alcaraz said. “It was incredibly tough… we almost lost.”

Team World had appeared to be in a strong position on Saturday after Ben Shelton and Alejandro Tabilo defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud, giving them an 8-4 lead. However, Team Europe, captained by Bjorn Borg, entered the final day with determination.

Alcaraz teamed up with Ruud in the early doubles match to beat Americans Shelton and Frances Tiafoe 6-2, 7-6(6), earning three points and narrowing the gap to 8-7.

Team World then increased their advantage when Shelton triumphed over Daniil Medvedev 6-7(6), 7-5, 10-7, bringing John McEnroe's team within reach of their third consecutive title.

But Alexander Zverev kept Team Europe’s hopes alive by defeating Tiafoe 6-7(5), 7-5, 10-5, setting up a thrilling final session. Alcaraz, the French Open and Wimbledon champion, sealed the victory for Team Europe.

Next year’s Laver Cup will be held in San Francisco.