Carlos Alcaraz triumphed over Taylor Fritz with a 6-2, 7-5 victory, securing Team Europe’s 13-11 win against Team World in the final session of the Laver Cup on Sunday. The four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz dominated a one-sided first set before concluding the match against U.S. Open finalist Fritz, leading Team Europe to their fifth Laver Cup title.
“It’s been fantastic. We came here as a team with one goal: to win the Laver Cup. I’m very pleased. I believe everyone on our team is,” said Alcaraz. “It was incredibly tough… we almost lost.”
On Saturday, Team World seemed to have an advantage when Ben Shelton and Alejandro Tabilo overcame Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud, giving them an 8-4 lead. Nevertheless, with captain Bjorn Borg at the helm, Team Europe entered the final day with determination. Alcaraz partnered with Ruud to defeat Americans Shelton and Frances Tiafoe 6-2, 7-6(6) in the early doubles match, earning three points and narrowing the gap to 8-7.
Team World bolstered their advantage as Shelton triumphed over Daniil Medvedev with scores of 6-7(6), 7-5, and 10-7, propelling the squad led by John McEnroe close to securing a third consecutive title. Nonetheless, Alexander Zverev revived Team Europe’s aspirations by defeating Tiafoe 6-7(5), 7-5, and 10-5, setting the stage for an electrifying final session where French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz sealed the win. The Laver Cup will be held in San Francisco next year.
