“Having the opportunity to play a team event with the players that I used to fight against – for me was great,” Carlos Alcaraz said of his Laver Cup debut in Berlin 2024. And why wouldn’t it be? A player who has ruled the singles tour under Juan Carlos Ferrero’s watch, reclaimed the No. 1 throne days ago, and crushed rivals would savor sharing the same bench with them. Now, at the 2025 Laver Cup, Alcaraz’s defending champions Team Europe roared through Day One, taking three of four matches as captain Yannick Noah unveiled his coaching blueprint: turning pressure into fuel, sharpening focus, and igniting Europe’s charge toward early dominance.

Fresh off his US Open triumph, Carlos Alcaraz lit up the doubles court, helping Team Europe seize an early advantage at the 2025 Laver Cup. Paired with Jakub Mensik, Alcaraz’s fluid movement and sharp instincts created a mesmerizing partnership, culminating in a 7-6(7), 6-4 victory over Taylor Fritz and Alex Michelsen. The duo’s chemistry not only thrilled the fans but also cemented Europe’s formidable presence, setting the tone for a dominant first day.

With Team Europe now holding a strong edge over Team World, captain Yannick Noah shared the cheeky mantra behind the team’s seamless performance. Speaking after the doubles triumph, the 65-year-old French legend kept it delightfully candid when asked about his coaching role.

“It was not very tough for me today because all I’m doing is sit,” Noah quipped, eliciting laughter from the crowd. He added with a grin, “I sit, I give some water to the players. Sometimes I clap my hands sometimes. Sometimes, uh, after maybe four or five games, uh I drink some water.” Even in his playful simplicity, Noah’s presence and subtle guidance were a steadying force for Europe’s champions.

It was a relatively light day at the Laver Cup office for Yannick Noah, but the action on court was anything but. Carlos Alcaraz and Jakub Mensik secured Europe’s doubles point, following Mensik’s earlier singles triumph over Alex Michelsen. Mensik battled nerves after being broken while serving for the match in the second set’s ninth game but steadied himself to clinch victory in the match tiebreaker. “It’s always tough for your nerves but I’m happy that I stay focused to the end,” Mensik said, highlighting his composure under pressure.

The day had started with Casper Ruud giving Europe an early lead, defeating American Reilly Opelka 6-4, 7-6(7/4). “I was in the same position last year and lost the opening match so it’s good to get some revenge and begin strong for Europe,” Ruud said, underlining his determination to set the tone for his team.

Team World found its spark through Laver Cup debutant Joao Fonseca, who overcame Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 6-3. The Brazilian’s win was powered by raucous support from his countrymen in the stands. “I tried to stay positive during the match. I was a little bit more nervous than usual, which is normal,” Fonseca said, reflecting the poise that earned him his first ATP title in Buenos Aires earlier this year.

With Mensik and Alcaraz’s doubles victory, Team Europe closed Day One with a strong 3-1 lead, asserting their dominance in the opening session. Europe’s blend of experience and youthful fire proved difficult for Team World to counter, establishing momentum for the defending champions.

Despite the scoreline, Team World can take pride in Fonseca’s breakthrough performance. The Brazilian’s victory not only lifted his team’s spirits but also set the stage for the weekend’s thrilling battles ahead, proving that even on a challenging day, stars can shine through and make their mark.

Andre Agassi shocked by Joao Fonseca’s Laver Cup fact

For most rising stars, any chance to shine on a big stage is a golden opportunity they would grab without hesitation. But Joao Fonseca has always marched to his own beat. Last season, when the Laver Cup beckoned, he chose to stay grounded and step back. Asked why he declined, the Brazilian explained, “I feel more confident, more at ease to come. Last year, I wasn’t ready for that. I was an 18-year-old kid, with no experience in big stadiums and facing the big names.” His patience and self-awareness set the stage for his breakthrough this year.

Fonseca didn’t just show up in 2025; he made history. With a commanding straight-sets victory over Flavio Cobolli, the 19-year-old became the youngest teenager in Laver Cup history to win a match, clocking in at 19 years and 29 days since the event’s inaugural edition in 2017. The feat underscored his maturity and composure under pressure, marking him as one of Team World’s brightest emerging stars.

Yet, the post-match interview delivered a moment that left even Andre Agassi blinking in surprise. When reminded of a quirky connection, the interviewer noted, “You were born 12 days before Andre retired at the US Open in 2006.” Fonseca’s response was playful yet pointed: “We were actually joking about this because he was like, ‘I retired in 2006’ and I was like, ‘I was born in 2006’ and he was like, ‘Thanks man, thanks.’”

The exchange highlighted more than humor; it reminded everyone that age can’t define the boundaries of greatness. Agassi, a legend now guiding Team World, was faced with the stark reality that this teenage phenom wasn’t just another opponent; he was a force rewriting the record books.

With Team World struggling after Day One, Fonseca’s historic win becomes more than a personal milestone. It’s a spark of hope, a rallying point for a squad in need of energy, belief, and momentum.

As the tournament continues, all eyes will be on whether Fonseca’s breakout performance can inspire Team World to claw back from the deficit, turning one youthful triumph into a larger statement for the team’s fortunes tomorrow.