Alcaraz Saves Two Match Points, Beats Fritz As Europe Takes 7-5 Laver Cup Lead

Carlos Alcaraz survived two match points before producing a clutch drop shot to beat Taylor Fritz 6-3, 4-6, 13-11, giving Team Europe a 7-5 lead over Team World in the Laver Cup.

Fritz, who had beaten Alcaraz at last year's Laver Cup, came close to repeating that upset. But Alcaraz held his nerve in the match tiebreak, firing an ace to save one match point before using a drop shot to fend off another. He then sealed victory on his third match point when Fritz reached his drop shot but could not return it.

“The drop shot is part of my game,” Alcaraz said, pointing to the shot as a key weapon in the tightest moments.

The Spaniard made 30 unforced errors, compared with just nine by Fritz, but compensated with an attacking display that produced 42 winners to the American's 20. Roger Federer and Andy Murray watched from the front row as the O2 Arena crowd repeatedly rose to applaud.

Earlier, Team World fought back strongly. Alex de Minaur defeated Alexander Zverev 2-6, 7-6 (5), 11-9, while Learner Tien beat Flavio Cobolli 6-3, 2-6, 10-7.

De Minaur overcame a match point against Zverev and even finished with blood running down his right leg after a diving volley.

Zverev's defeat ended his nine-match winning streak following his US Open triumph.

In the final match, Zverev teamed with Casper Ruud to beat Alexander Bublik and Brandon Nakashima 6-4, 7-6 (7).

Europe had led 3-1 after Friday. Sunday wins are worth three points, with the first team to reach 13 points crowned champion.