Carlos Alcaraz produced a dramatic comeback to defeat Taylor Fritz in a deciding tie-break as Team Europe moved 7-5 ahead of Team World at the Laver Cup in London.
The two-time Wimbledon champion saved two match points before overcoming Fritz 6-3, 4-6, 13-11 at the O2 Arena, avoiding what would have been his first run of consecutive singles defeats in 18 months.
Alcaraz, ranked third in the world, was playing his first singles match since his late-night quarter-final defeat by Ben Shelton at the US Open.
Fritz, who defeated Alcaraz during Team World’s title-winning campaign last year, kept the Spaniard under pressure throughout the contest and limited his unforced errors.
But Alcaraz’s 42 winners ultimately proved decisive, with the Spaniard producing several crucial shots in the final stages of the match.
With Alcaraz facing match point at 8-9 in the deciding tie-break, he responded with an ace before using his trademark drop shot to save another opportunity.
He then secured victory on his third match point when Fritz failed to reach another finely placed drop shot.
Earlier, Team World had threatened to take control of the contest after Alex de Minaur recovered from a set down to defeat Alexander Zverev 2-6, 7-6 (7-5), 11-9.
American debutant Learner Tien also claimed a victory for Team World, beating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli 6-3, 2-6, 10-7.
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Zverev later returned to the court alongside Casper Ruud and helped Europe regain the advantage with a 6-4, 7-6 (9-7) doubles victory over Alexander Bublik and Brandon Nakashima.
The result leaves Europe two points ahead heading into the final day.
Sunday’s matches will be worth three points each, with the first team to reach 13 points crowned Laver Cup champions.
Team Europe are seeking a sixth Laver Cup title, while defending champions Team World are targeting their third trophy.
