Laver Cup: Carlos Alcaraz saves match points as Team Europe take lead

Image source, Reuters Image caption, Carlos Alcaraz has struggled with a wrist injury this year

Two-time Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz narrowly avoided back-to-back singles defeats for the first time in 18 months as Team Europe took a 7-5 lead over Team World at the Laver Cup.

The world number three saved two match points before overcoming Taylor Fritz 6-3 4-6 13-11 in a dramatic deciding tie-break at London's O2 Arena.

It was Alcaraz's first singles outing since his late-night quarter-final exit to Ben Shelton at the US Open.

"The drop shot is part of my game," Alcaraz said after sealing victory with a trademark touch.

"In those really close and important moments, I tried to use it because it was a really good weapon for me in this match."