Alcaraz teams up with Mensik to put Europe ahead at Laver Cup

LONDON, Sept 26 — Carlos Alcaraz helped Europe take a 3-1 lead on the first day of the Laver Cup as the Spaniard teamed up with Jakub Mensik for a doubles victory.

The world number three, playing in only his second event since a four-month injury lay-off, impressed the watching Rod Laver and Roger Federer as he and Mensik defeated Alexander Bublik and Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4.

Alcaraz plans to play fewer events going forward, blaming an “impossible” tennis calendar for a rising number of injuries in the sport.

But the seven-time Grand Slam champion said before the competition that his “love” for team events helps him “bring my joy back on the court, bring my joy back on playing tennis”.