The Laver Cup, a prestigious tennis tournament pitting Team Europe against Team World, kicks off with a series of intriguing matches on Friday. While the big stars and crucial encounters are yet to come, the opening day promises a glimpse of the potential fireworks to follow.
Casper Ruud vs. Francisco Cerundolo:
This match may not be a crowd-pleaser, but it is expected to be competitive. Ruud and Cerundolo have split their six previous meetings, with Cerundolo surprisingly winning their only indoor hard court encounter in Bercy last fall. However, Ruud’s experience and superior serve should give him the edge in this matchup.
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Thanasi Kokkinakis:
These fellow Greeks have a history of thrilling encounters. Tsitsipas holds a 1-1 record against Kokkinakis, but the latter’s recent victory at the US Open and his love of team play could give him an advantage. Tsitsipas’s state of mind, however, remains a question mark.
Grigor Dimitrov vs. Alejandro Tabilo:
Dimitrov returns to the Laver Cup for the first time since 2018, while Tabilo makes his debut. Despite Tabilo’s breakout season, Dimitrov’s experience and recent Top 10 ranking should prove too much for the Brazilian.
Carlos Alcaraz-Alexander Zverev vs. Taylor Fritz-Ben Shelton:
The nightcap doubles match promises to be a spectacle. Alcaraz and Zverev form a formidable duo, but Fritz and Shelton have a strong partnership and the home crowd advantage. Fritz’s Olympic bronze medal in doubles could give Team World an edge in this entertaining encounter.
