2024-09-21 12:25:03
Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton secured a crucial point for Team World on Friday night, leveling the Laver Cup Berlin 2024 scoreboard at 2-2 after the last match of Day 1.
In a battle between two first-time pairings, the American duo overcame rivals-turned-teammates Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev 7-6(5) 6-4 in one hour and 35 minutes at Uber Arena.
“We both served really well … Ben served incredible,” said Fritz after making his winning Laver Cup doubles debut.
“It makes life pretty easy when you’re playing with a guy who is moving like Taylor is right now, he’s pretty light on his feet,” said Shelton, who is undefeated in Laver Cup doubles. “This was our first time playing together and I think the chemistry was pretty good.”
Competing in front of a packed crowd, Fritz, Zverev, and Shelton sailed through their opening service games, conceding a sole point between them. Alcaraz, the world No.3, uncharacteristically cracked first as an explosive cross-court backhand from Shelton drew a forehand error from the Spaniard on break point, propelling Team World to a 3-1 lead.
But the reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion quickly found his groove, showcasing his soft touch at the net. Staring down a 2-5 deficit, the 21-year-old held serve to keep Team Europe in the opening set.
The men in blue – No. 2 and 3 in the PIF ATP singles rankings – created their first break-point opportunity on Fritz’s serve in the next game and converted it, thanks to a sizzling forehand winner from Zverev, putting the match on even footing.
Impeccable serving from Shelton quickly put pressure on Alcaraz, who at 5-6, held to love to force a tiebreak, which Team World clinched on their third attempt.
Zverev, competing in his fifth Laver Cup for Team Europe, and Alcaraz, new to the competition, made for a fascinating combination. The two, who have a 5-5 head-to-head record in singles, fed off each other’s energy.
In the fourth game of the second set, they created four break point chances on Fritz’s serve, only to be denied by Shelton at the net each time.
Team World created their first break opportunity of the second at 4-4 on Zverev’s serve, and converted it as Shelton slapped a forehand winner through the middle of the court, which caught the back of the baseline.
With Shelton serving for the match, Team World sealed victory – and the last Laver Cup point on offer on Day 1 – as the left-hander sent down a booming serve.
“Definitely would have been hoping for a 4-0 but 2-2, we feel confident going into Day 2, right guys?” Grinned Shelton at his teammates. “2-2 is solid,” said Fritz. “I feel really good going forward, so coming out even, I think we’re looking good for the next two days.”
Team World captain John McEnroe was quick to shower praise on his dynamic doubles pairing. “I thought they did an awesome job, some big hitting out there, it was exciting to watch,” said the American.
“It’s a three-day competition,” said McEnroe. “”These guys are tough, I’m super excited about it…tomorrow’s going to be a hell of a day.” The Team World players are appreciating their final few days serving under McEnroe.
“He’s one of the great lefty serve and volleyers,” Shelton said earlier this week of his fellow southpaw, who has imparted tips about the younger American’s volleys and return of serve. “I think that he’s a great guy to spend time around, obviously fired up and passionate about this event. Every minute that I get with him and Patrick is a good one,” added the 21-year-old.
“It’s been such a cool experience,” said Fritz. “It’s been incredible to have such a legend of the sport be on our side, in our corner.”
In other Laver Cup action on Friday, Francisco Cerundolo upset Casper Ruud 6-4 6-4 to secure Team World’s first point before Stefanos Tsitsipas banked one for Team Europe with a 6-1 6-4 defeat of Thanasi Kokkinakis. Grigor Dimitrov then gave Team Europe an edge by overcoming debutant Alejandro Tabilo 7-6(4) 7-6(2) in 2 hours and 15 minutes, marking Day 1’s longest match at Laver Cup Berlin 2024.
