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<\/p>\nAlcaraz and Mensik overcame a tough first set to extend Europe\u2019s lead to 3-1 in front of a star-studded crowd at the Chase Centre in San Francisco.<\/p>\n
However, the world No. 1 insisted Norway\u2019s Casper Ruud is the best golfer Team Europe has to offer.<\/p>\n
“I think everybody knows that Casper Ruud is the best golfer,” said the Spaniard. “I am trying to catch up with him. It is a big deal for me, to get to his level.<\/p>\n
“So the best one is Casper. Then we have a few members of the team that don\u2019t play golf at all. We just have fun.”<\/p>\n
Alcaraz also believes that the 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer is as smooth an operator on the golf course as he is on the tennis court.<\/p>\n
“Roger [Federer] is pretty good, actually. I am being honest, everything he does, he does with such great style. His swing is really beautiful.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Highlights: Alcaraz and Mensik win doubles to steer Team Europe into Laver Cup lead<\/p>\n
Video credit: TNT Sports<\/p>\n
“The level he has is quite good, I would say it is better than mine.” \u00a0<\/p>\n
Alcaraz made the comments after Team Europe enjoyed some team bonding on the golf course ahead of this weekend\u2019s action. \u00a0<\/p>\n
The decision appears to have worked for Alcaraz and Mensik as they impressed with a stylish performance across the pond.<\/p>\n
Alcaraz believes playing doubles gives him the opportunity to try out new things on a big stage: “I think so. I think doubles allows you more opportunities to try great shots and great volleys, but doubles is not just about one player.<\/p>\n
“You have to have a great player [alongside you] like I did today.<\/p>\n
“Jakub, thanks to him, he had great shots and great skills, he made me feel comfortable on the court. It was about both of us.”<\/p>\n
Alcaraz has enjoyed an excellent season, taking his Grand Slam tally up to six with victories at the French Open and US Open.<\/p>\n
He defeated Jannik Sinner in the final of the US Open earlier this month having previously fallen to defeat against his Italian rival at Wimbledon.<\/p>\n
Joao Fonseca defeated Flavio Cobolli in the men\u2019s singles earlier on an exciting Day 1 at the Laver Cup.<\/p>\n
How to watch the 2025 Laver Cup<\/p>\n