Laver Cup 2026 Day 1 Recap: Alcaraz Returns & Team Europe Takes a 3-1 Lead

Team Europe's 3-1 Laver Cup lead was built on a new Alcaraz-Mensik doubles pairing and Team World's reliance on a late Nakashima substitution.

• Europe leads early: Team Europe took a 3-1 lead over Team World after Laver Cup Day 1 at London's O2 Arena, with the tournament awarding one point per match on opening day.
• Alcaraz-Mensik click in doubles: The 'Mensikaraz' pairing beat Taylor Fritz and Alexander Bublik 4-4 (in sets), with Alcaraz's groundstrokes pinning opponents while Mensik dominated at net.

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