The second day of the 2025 Laver Cup showcased a striking turnaround for Team World, as they emerged victorious in all four matches, leaving Team Europe in a challenging position. This shift from the celebrations of Day 1 brought a clear message: Team World was ready to exert their dominance in the tournament.
Kicking off the day’s events was Taylor Fritz, who faced off against the newly minted world No. 1, Carlos Alcaraz. In a stunning upset, Fritz delivered an impressive performance, triumphing over Alcaraz in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-2. This marked Fritz’s first victory against the Spaniard, shaking off a previous three-match losing streak. He executed his baseline power effectively while frequently darting to the net, winning 16 of 20 net points. His ability to avoid being broken in the opening game set the tone for the match, and Fritz closed it with a forehand volley, showcasing his skill and confidence.
Reflecting on his triumph, Fritz expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete under captain Andre Agassi. “It’s been an honour to play under Andre. Both of us love to share our thoughts about the game. The question was whether I would be able to implement what we discussed,” Fritz remarked after his win. His earlier defeats to Alcaraz hadn’t dimmed his determination, and breaking the early game was undoubtedly pivotal for his success.
Following Fritz’s victory, Alex de Minaur took to the court against Alexander Zverev. De Minaur, understanding the stakes as Team World was initially trailing at 1-3, put on an exceptional display, defeating Zverev 6-1, 6-4. This match saw De Minaur effectively utilizing a sliced backhand to disrupt Zverev’s rhythm. He managed to fend off three of four break points against him while converting four of his own. “I started out of the blocks pretty quickly. I’m so proud of myself for backing myself in those important moments,” De Minaur commented, underscoring the significance of his win for Team World.
The momentum continued to favor Team World when Francisco Cerundolo faced Holger Rune. Cerundolo demonstrated resilience, sealing a 6-3, 7-6(5) victory in a tightly contested match lasting two hours. He successfully defended six of the seven break points he encountered, marking his personal success at the Laver Cup. “I think I played really well. To win a point for the team is unreal,” Cerundolo beamed, celebrating his contribution with a chest bump for Agassi.
In a decisive finish, De Minaur partnered with Alex Michelsen to clinch a 6-3, 6-4 win against Rune and Casper Ruud, solidifying Team World’s commanding lead at 9-3 before the final day of competition. With points for wins increasing to three per match on Sunday, Team World is on the brink of clinching their third Laver Cup title, needing only two more victories.
Looking ahead to Day 3, the matchups will feature Alcaraz and Ruud against Michelsen and Reilly Opelka, Jakub Mensik taking on De Minaur, Alcaraz squaring off against Cerundolo, and Fritz battling Zverev. As the tournament approaches its conclusion, Team Europe faces a daunting challenge: they must win all four remaining matches to retain their hold over the Laver Cup. The stage is set for what promises to be an exhilarating finale.
