Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz attended the Laver Cup in London on Saturday, despite a recent ankle‑joint injury that kept him out of competition from April to September.
Alcaraz said he needed the event for “friendship and relaxation” as the tournament offers no ATP ranking points and does not affect player standings.
Match results
The opening day ended with Europe leading 3-1. Casper Ruud beat Francisco Cerúndolo 6-7(4), 6-4, 10-8, while Rafa Jódar defeated Alexander Bublik 6-2, 6-3. In doubles, Alcaraz and Jakub Mensik overcame Taylor Fritz and Bublik 6-4.
Brandon Nakashima also won his match, beating Mensik 6-1, 3-6, 10-7.
Upcoming play and withdrawals
Saturday’s schedule includes three more singles matches and a second doubles contest. Alcaraz will face Fritz at 20:00, and Jódar has a rest day.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner confirmed he will skip the Beijing event, citing ongoing right‑knee problems. American player Taylor Shelton also withdrew from the Tokyo tournament where he had been slated to meet Alcaraz, the player who defeated him at the US Open.