The opening day of the Laver Cup in Berlin has provided an excellent insight into what can be expected over the next two days of competition.
“I think we’re going to win. Definitely would have been hoping for a 4-0, but 2-2, we feel comfortable and confident going into day two.” Ben Shelton
Team Europe is out to regain the Cup whilst Team World is determined to retain it and make three in a row. Francisco Cerundolo scored an excellent 6-4 6-4 victory over Casper Ruud to draw first blood for the visitors. Stefanos Tsitispas then stormed back to level the points by dominating Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-1 6-4 in the second rubber. Grigor Dimitrov followed suit but had to battle hard to down Alejandro Tabilo 7-6(4) 7-6(2) and give Europe a 2-1 lead.
That lead was effectively snuffed out in the final rubber of the day, the doubles when Taylor Fritz, partnering Ben Shelton, defeated Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev 7-6(5) 6-1, thereby ensuring they finished the day level by bursting the ring of confidence which the Europeans were gaining.
And that confidence is now firmly settled on John McEnroe’s team as the momentum has swung their way going into the second day where wins score two points.
Shelton reflected the team’s confidence after his doubles win, saying: “It makes life pretty easy when you’re playing with a guy who’s moving like Taylor is right now.
“He’s pretty light on his feet and we had a lot of fun.
“This was our first time playing together, and I think the chemistry was pretty good. It’s tough that we can’t play together again here, but I think you’ll see us on the doubles court soon in the future somewhere.
“I probably [would] not [have taken a 2-2 scoreline at the start of the day]. I back our guys. Every time I’ve seen them, they’re on the bench cheering. I think we’re going to win. Definitely would have been hoping for a 4-0, but 2-2, we feel comfortable and confident going into day two.”
And Fritz concurred that they might well play doubles together in the future. “Who knows,” the 2024 US Open finalist said. “We’ll have some tournaments down the line and test it a bit more. If it keeps going well, you could see us at the Davis Cup.
“The 2-2 is solid. I only say that because we’re locked for day two and three. I feel really good going forward. Coming out even, I think we’re looking good for the next two days.”
Day two opens with Daniil Medvedev playing Frances Tiafoe followed by Carlos Alcaraz against Ben Shelton for the afternoon session while Alexander Zverev takes on Taylor Fritz in the first match of the evening session which in turn is followed by the doubles featuring Casper Ruud with Stefanos Tsitsipas against Alejandro Tabilo and Ben Shelton making his third appearance at the event!
With that line-up spectators at the Uber Arena are in for another day of exciting tennis and no doubt hope that on its conclusion, Team Europe will have regained the initiative.
