Laver Cup: Team World takes 8-4 lead vs Europe as Ruud, Tsitsipas fall in doubles

Team World surged ahead on day two of the 2024 Laver Cup, claiming a commanding 8-4 lead over Team Europe after a series of decisive victories at Berlin’s Uber Arena.

The day’s standout moment came in the evening doubles match, where Team World cruised past Europe’s Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas in a 6-1, 6-2 victory, placing the team just two wins away from securing a third consecutive Laver Cup triumph.

Saturday’s action began with a major upset as Frances Tiafoe toppled former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling match tiebreak. Medvedev had taken the first set, but Tiafoe clawed back to level the match in the second, before overpowering his Russian opponent 10-5 in the decider. Tiafoe’s win turned the momentum in Team World’s favor.

In the second singles match, Team Europe’s Alexander Zverev appeared poised to strike back, leading Taylor Fritz 4-2 in the second set after dropping the first. However, Fritz held firm through a series of punishing rallies, eventually leveling at 4-4 and breaking a visibly fatigued Zverev. Fritz went on to clinch a 6-3, 7-5 victory, further extending Team World’s lead.

Europe’s lone success on the day came when Carlos Alcaraz made his Laver Cup singles debut, defeating Ben Shelton 6-4, 6-4 in a tight contest. Despite Alcaraz’s best efforts, Team Europe’s hope of a comeback took a major hit in the final match of the day.

The much-anticipated doubles clash saw Team World’s Ben Shelton and Alejandro Tabilo dominate from the outset, taking a 6-1 lead in the first set before fending off a brief resurgence from Ruud and Tsitsipas in the second. The Europeans struggled to find their rhythm, with errors at crucial moments costing them chances to get back into the match. Shelton and Tabilo capitalized, winning the second set 6-2 to cap off a near-flawless day for the men in red.

Despite the 8-4 deficit, Team Europe still has a chance to reclaim the trophy on Sunday, with three points available for each match. However, based on Saturday’s performances, the odds seem to favor another Team World victory.