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Alcaraz and Zverev Defeated in the Inaugural Doubles Match of the 2024 Laver Cup

The first day of the 2024 Laver Cup ended in a tie after two victories by Team Europe and two by Team World.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
Alcaraz and Zverev Defeated in the Inaugural Doubles Match of the 2024 Laver Cup / Photo via Laver Cup 2024
Alcaraz and Zverev Defeated in the Inaugural Doubles Match of the 2024 Laver Cup / Photo via Laver Cup 2024

The last match, a doubles encounter, saw the Americans Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton defeat the European duo of Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz and German Alexander Zverev.

 

In the day’s first match, Argentina’s Francisco Cerúndolo defeated Norway’s Casper Ruud with a score of 6-4 in both sets. In the second match, Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-1, 6-4, leveling the competition. Later, Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov edged out Chilean Alejandro Tabilo in a tight tie-break in both sets, putting Team Europe ahead.

 

The tie was restored in the doubles match, where Fritz and Shelton triumphed over Alcaraz and Zverev 7-6(5), 6-4, marking the pair’s debut in this special tournament.

Alcaraz and Zverev Defeated in the Inaugural Doubles Match of the 2024 Laver Cup / Photo via Laver Cup 2024
Alcaraz and Zverev Defeated in the Inaugural Doubles Match of the 2024 Laver Cup / Photo via Laver Cup 2024

Laver Cup Format

The teams are made up of six players each, three of whom are among the top-ranked players, while the other three are chosen by the captains. Each day includes three singles matches and one doubles match.

 

The points awarded increase as the tournament progresses: victories on the first day are worth one point, on the second day two points, and on the third day three points. The team that first reaches 13 points is declared the winner, typically on Sunday. If the teams are tied at 12 points, a fifth match, known as The Decider, will be played.

 

Each player can participate in a maximum of two singles matches, and at least four of the six team members must play in doubles. The matches are played best of three sets, and if the first two sets are split, the deciding set is a super tie-break to 10 points.

Alcaraz and Zverev Defeated in the Inaugural Doubles Match of the 2024 Laver Cup / Photo via Laver Cup 2024
Alcaraz and Zverev Defeated in the Inaugural Doubles Match of the 2024 Laver Cup / Photo via Laver Cup 2024

History of the Laver Cup

The Laver Cup is an annual team tennis competition that pits the best players from Europe against those from the rest of the world. It was created in 2017 by Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer and his management company Team8, in collaboration with Tennis Australia and the USTA (United States Tennis Association). The tournament was named in honor of Rod Laver, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, and aims to celebrate the rivalry between continents, similar to the Ryder Cup in golf.

 

The tournament is also unique for featuring legendary captains. Since its inception, Björn Borg has captained Team Europe, while American John McEnroe has led Team World.

Alcaraz and Zverev Defeated in the Inaugural Doubles Match of the 2024 Laver Cup / Photo via Laver Cup 2024
Alcaraz and Zverev Defeated in the Inaugural Doubles Match of the 2024 Laver Cup / Photo via Laver Cup 2024

First Edition and Initial Success

The first edition took place in Prague, Czech Republic, in 2017 and was a success both in terms of viewership and player participation. Team Europe, led by Federer and Rafael Nadal, secured an exciting victory, highlighted by the iconic moment when Federer and Nadal played a doubles match together for the first time.

 

Since then, the Laver Cup has rapidly gained popularity, attracting some of the best players in the world and becoming a significant event on the professional tennis calendar. Subsequent editions were held in Chicago (2018), Geneva (2019), and Boston (2021), where Team Europe dominated. In 2022, Team World achieved its first victory in the competition.

Alcaraz and Zverev Defeated in the Inaugural Doubles Match of the 2024 Laver Cup / Photo via Laver Cup 2024
Alcaraz and Zverev Defeated in the Inaugural Doubles Match of the 2024 Laver Cup / Photo via Laver Cup 2024

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