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.
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