Team Europe takes early control at 2026 Laver Cup

Team Europe has made the stronger start at the 2026 Laver Cup, giving captain Yannick Noah’s side an early advantage in its attempt to recover from last year’s defeat in San Francisco. Andre Agassi’s Team World now has two days to reduce the deficit at London’s O2 Arena.

Europe finished the opening day 3-1 ahead. Casper Ruud began the campaign with a 6-7, 6-4, 10-8 victory over Francisco Cerundolo in a match lasting two hours and nine minutes. Brandon Nakashima then levelled for Team World by beating Jakub Mensik 6-1, 3-6, 10-7.

The European team moved back in front through Rafael Jodar, who defeated Alexander Bublik 6-2, 6-3. Carlos Alcaraz and Mensik completed the day’s scoring for Europe in the doubles, overcoming Bublik and Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4. The result gives Europe a better position than at the same stage of last year’s competition, when it eventually lost 9-15.

Saturday’s programme features Flavio Cobolli against Learner Tien, followed by Alexander Zverev’s meeting with Alex De Minaur and Alcaraz’s singles match against Fritz. Ruud and Zverev are scheduled to face Bublik and Nakashima in the closing doubles match.