Laver Cup Day 1 Preview

Laver Cup Day 1 Preview: Alcaraz-Zverev vs. Fritz-Shelton to Headline Doubles After Three Singles Matches

The 2024 Laver Cup kicks off on Friday in Berlin, beginning with three singles matches and concluding with an exciting doubles showdown between Team Europe’s Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev against Team World’s Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton. The Laver Cup traditionally starts with a lower-key atmosphere, as players ease into the weekend and fans settle in for what promises to be a thrilling few days of tennis.

While the biggest stars and crucial matches will come later, Friday’s schedule offers intriguing matchups featuring some newcomers and seasoned pros. On paper, Team Europe looks to be the favorite in each match, but head-to-head records suggest that Team World may be able to steal a win or two.

Here’s a breakdown of Friday’s four matches:

Casper Ruud vs. Francisco Cerundolo

This opener may not be the most high-energy match, but it promises to be a competitive one. Casper Ruud and Francisco Cerundolo have faced each other six times, splitting the series 3-3. Interestingly, Cerundolo won their only meeting on indoor hard courts in Bercy last fall, while Ruud evened the score on clay at the Olympics this summer.

Both players have similar styles, relying heavily on their topspin forehands as their main weapon. Neither has lost a Laver Cup match—Ruud is 3-0, and Cerundolo is 1-0. Team World would greatly benefit from an opening win by Cerundolo, but Ruud’s experience and stronger serve may give him the edge.

Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Thanasi Kokkinakis

The second singles match will feature Stefanos Tsitsipas, a Laver Cup veteran, going up against newcomer Thanasi Kokkinakis. While Tsitsipas has the rankings advantage, Kokkinakis is known for his aggressive style and could pose a challenge. Both players have big serves, and the fast indoor conditions may suit Kokkinakis’ game. However, Tsitsipas’ consistency and experience at this level should give him the upper hand.

Grigor Dimitrov vs. Alejandro Tabilo

Grigor Dimitrov takes on Laver Cup debutant Alejandro Tabilo in the third match of the day. Dimitrov’s all-court game and variety make him a dangerous opponent on any surface, especially indoors. Tabilo, while talented, is likely to be outclassed by the more experienced Dimitrov, who has played in numerous high-stakes matches over the years.

Carlos Alcaraz-Alexander Zverev vs. Taylor Fritz-Ben Shelton (Doubles)

The day wraps up with a doubles match featuring some of the biggest names in tennis. Alcaraz and Zverev, both top-tier singles players, will team up to take on Fritz and Shelton. Team World has historically performed well in doubles, and the dynamic duo of Fritz and Shelton could pose a serious challenge to the European pair. However, Alcaraz and Zverev’s combined talent might be enough to edge out a win, though it could be a close one.