Bad day at Laver Cup for Carlos Alcaraz with 3-6 2-6 loss
On Saturday night at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 1 and reigning US Open champion, faced a stunning defeat at the hands of Taylor Fritz during the 2025 Laver Cup. The straight-sets loss, 3-6, 2-6, marked a rare off-day for the 22-year-old Spaniard, snapping his 13-match winning streak and dealing a significant blow to Team Europe’s hopes. This defeat was Alcaraz’s first against Fritz in four career meetings and his seventh loss of the season, a surprising stumble for a player who has dominated headlines with his recent triumphs.
Alcaraz, fresh off victories at the Cincinnati Open and US Open, entered the match with high expectations after a successful doubles outing alongside Jakub Mensik the previous night. However, Fritz, ranked world No. 5, capitalized on the slow indoor court conditions, executing an aggressive game plan that kept Alcaraz on the defensive. Fritz’s sharp serving, with 80% of first-serve points won and five aces, combined with just 10 unforced errors compared to Alcaraz’s 19, showcased his tactical precision. The American broke Alcaraz’s serve early in the first set and maintained relentless pressure, leaving the Spaniard struggling to find rhythm.
Post-match, Alcaraz expressed frustration with the tournament’s conditions, citing limited practice time as a key factor. With only one court available for both teams, he managed just an hour of daily practice, a stark contrast to his usual preparation. “I needed more time on court,” Alcaraz admitted, noting that the slow courts and heavy balls made it difficult to adjust. He also struggled with positioning, often finding himself too far from the ball, which he described as “annoying.” Despite the loss, Alcaraz was gracious, acknowledging Fritz’s superior performance. “He played great tennis, really solid and aggressive,” Alcaraz said, conceding that Fritz deserved the victory.
The defeat was part of a broader struggle for Team Europe, as Team World swept all four matches on Saturday, taking a commanding 9-3 lead. Earlier in the day, Alex de Minaur and Francisco Cerundolo secured wins over Alexander Zverev and Holger Rune, respectively, while Team World capped the night with a doubles victory. Fritz’s upset over Alcaraz, however, stole the spotlight, marking his first win against a reigning world No. 1. For Alcaraz, the loss highlighted the challenges of transitioning from the high of a Grand Slam victory to the unique demands of the Laver Cup.
Despite the setback, Alcaraz remains a pivotal figure for Team Europe heading into the final day. With matches worth three points each on Sunday, his upcoming singles clash against Francisco Cerundolo and a doubles match alongside Casper Ruud offer chances for redemption. For now, Saturday’s loss serves as a reminder that even the world’s best can falter under pressure.
