Team World have taken a commanding 9-3 lead at the Laver Cup after a full sweep on day two of the event.
After Team Europe got their noses in front on the opening day, captain Andre Agassi‘s side responded with four straight-set victories.
Alex de Minaur kicked things off with a convincing win over world number three Alexander Zverev, before partnering with Alex Michelsen later on to come out on top in doubles.
Perhaps the most impressive result was Taylor Fritz beating Carlos Alcaraz for the first time in his career, with the American number one besting the world number one 6-3, 6-2.
The scoreboard going into day three looks good for Team World, who have a player Agassi thinks Team Europe are ‘scared to death’ of.
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images for Laver CupAndre Agassi hails his Team World star after Laver Cup day two
Speaking to Tennis Channel after his team took the lead, the eight-time major champion said: “Listen, these guys are here because they have a great brain of their own. Let’s start with that.
“They have great abilities physically. You know, my hope is to remind them what makes them the best of themselves, right?
“Because I think it’s easy to lose that perspective sometimes when you’re in a battle. I do compare it to boxing because I think you have to know your identity as a tennis player.
“If your left jab is hurting somebody, why take a risk and throw a maker, right? I mean, just stay there all day until they finally tap out or somebody says unanimous decision.”
Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Laver Cup
Agassi then gave high praise to his Team World star, Francisco Cerundolo, who defeated Holger Rune 6-3, 7-6 to clinch another two points.
The American said: “You know, when you’ve got a guy like Francisco, I mean, everybody is scared to death when he gets set to unload on his forehand.
“I love his court position being in a place where he’s constantly putting that fear into guys. I love that he returns with the intention of getting neutral to slightly better, doesn’t try to do too much, but knows he wants to get advantage in the point.
“I mean, he plays the big targets with aggression. So little things like that, you just want to remind somebody to keep in mind in the big moment, especially.”
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver CupFrancisco Cerundolo now faces a big task on Laver Cup day three
After securing the win against Rune, Cerundolo’s next opponent at the Laver Cup comes in the form of US Open champion Alcaraz.
The Argentine has never beaten the Spaniard, having met him three times at tour-level events, all of which came in the last two seasons.
Queen’s 2024 – Alcaraz beats Cerundolo 6-1, 7-5Indian Wells 2025 – Alcaraz beats Cerundolo 6-3, 7-6Monte-Carlo 2025 – Alcaraz beats Cerundolo 3-6, 6-0, 6-1
Alcaraz will be even more determined to get the victory after losing his singles match against Fritz and costing Team Europe two points.
He will look to get back in the win column against Cerundolo in the night session on day three of the competition.