Alcaraz wins from brink as Europe lead Laver Cup

Two-time Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz narrowly avoided a back-to-back singles defeat for the first time in 18 months as Team Europe claimed a 7-5 lead over Team World at the Laver Cup in London. The world number three saved two match points before overcoming Taylor Fritz 6-3, 4-6, and 13-11 in a dramatic deciding tie-break.

Alcaraz, who struggled with a wrist injury this year, said his drop shot was a key weapon in this match. Facing match point at 8-9 down, Alcaraz fired an ace before using a drop shot to stave off a second defeat. Earlier, Andre Agassi's Team World had threatened to run away with the competition, with Alex de Minaur defeating Alexander Zverev 2-6, 7-6 (7-5), 11-9.

Zverev later helped secure a 6-4, 7-6 (9-7) doubles victory for Team World, keeping Europe ahead going into the final day. Europe, chasing their sixth Laver Cup title, are currently leading Team World, who are aiming for their third.