Casper Ruud maintained his undefeated record at the Laver Cup on Saturday, teaming up with world No. 2 Alexander Zverev to win a crucial doubles match and level the overall team standings at 5-5 before a late session pushed Team Europe ahead 7-5.
Ruud and Zverev Secure Vital Doubles Victory in London
Representing Team Europe, Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev defeated Team World’s Alexander Bublik and Brandon Nakashima 6-4, 7-6 (9-7) in Saturday’s closing fixture. According to match reports, the European pair did not concede a single break point during the opening set, claiming it 6-4 following a decisive Ruud return that broke serve for 3-2. Associated Press and NTB photojournalist Maja Smiejkowska documented the action from the courtside in London, capturing a tight contest where both teams served at a high level.
The second set mirrored the first as Ruud and Zverev broke to lead 3-2. However, Bublik and Nakashima responded when Ruud served at 4-3, capitalizing on break point opportunities to level the score at 6-6. In the subsequent tiebreak, a net-cord roller from Ruud helped push Europe ahead, and two consecutive winners from the Norwegian eventually set up a match point. Though World saved that chance and earned a set point of their own, Zverev neutralized it before Ruud served out the match to secure a 9-7 tiebreak win.
Did you know? In the Laver Cup format, match values increase daily: teams earn one point for wins on Friday, two points on Saturday, and three points on Sunday, keeping the tournament wide open heading into the final day.
Saturday Singles Action Forces Decisive Doubles
Before the late doubles triumph, Saturday’s three singles matches all required matchtiebreaks to find a winner. Team World claimed the first two when Learner Tien defeated Flavio Cobolli and Alex de Minaur topped Alexander Zverev. Carlos Alcaraz then kept Team Europe level by overcoming Taylor Fritz in a dramatic encounter that saw the Spaniard save a match point.
Following Alcaraz’s victory, the overall score stood tied at 5-5, setting the stage for Ruud and Zverev to deliver the session’s final point. Reflecting on the tension of the afternoon, Ruud told Eurosport in his post-match interview that watching the preceding matches go to matchtiebreaks was “nerve-wracking.”
European Lead Leaves Everything to Play For on Sunday
Team Europe holds a 7-5 advantage heading into the final day of competition, but 12 points remain up for grabs across Sunday’s four matches. The tournament’s unique scoring system means the deficit can be quickly erased by Team World.
Friday’s opening action set the early tone when Ruud defeated Francisco Cerúndolo in a matchtiebreak. Brandon Nakashima subsequently leveled for Team World by beating Jakub Menšík, before Rafael Jodar earned the weekend’s first straight-sets win against Bublik. Alcaraz and Menšík also teamed up to win Friday’s doubles rubber, leaving the multi-day team event delicately poised.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Casper Ruud’s record at this year’s Laver Cup?
Casper Ruud is undefeated, having won both his opening singles match against Francisco Cerúndolo and his Saturday doubles match alongside Alexander Zverev.
What was the score in the Saturday night doubles match?
Ruud and Zverev defeated Alexander Bublik and Brandon Nakashima 6-4, 7-6 (9-7).
How many points are available on Sunday?
There are 12 points available across the four matches scheduled for Sunday, as each win on the final day is worth three points.
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