On the eve of the Laver Cup’s grand Opening Night Gala in San Francisco, captains Yannick Noah (Team Europe) and Andre Agassi (Team World) revealed their player selections in a blind card exchange — setting the stage for a gripping first day of action.
Friday’s schedule begins with Norway’s Casper Ruud taking on big-serving American Reilly Opelka, followed by a clash between rising stars Jakub Mensik (Europe) and Alex Michelsen (World). In the evening, Flavio Cobolli faces Joao Fonseca before doubles headliners Carlos Alcaraz and Mensik pair up against Taylor Fritz and Michelsen.
With each of Friday’s matches worth one point, momentum on Day 1 could prove decisive in the race to 13 points across the three-day showdown.
History Shows Day 1 Matters
Traditionally, Team Europe have dominated the opening exchanges. From Prague 2017 through Boston 2021, Europe built commanding early leads. However, the narrative shifted at London 2022 when Alex de Minaur stunned Andy Murray, and Team World battled to a 2–2 tie after Day 1 — signaling that the balance of power had shifted.
That memory still lingers, adding weight to every lineup decision this weekend.
Home Advantage and Tactical Choices
As hosts in San Francisco, Team World enjoys a crucial strategic perk. From Day 2 onward, they can choose whether to reveal their lineup first on Saturday or defer until Sunday — forcing Europe to react within a strict 30-minute window.
Former vice-captain Patrick McEnroe explained the chess-like element:
“If we wanted to close the gap heading into Sunday, we’d often match lineups on Saturday. But if Europe was stronger, they usually saved their matching power for Sunday,” McEnroe noted.
That timing, he cautioned, can make or break the weekend: “If you’re too far behind by Sunday, the advantage disappears.”
Rules Keep Captains on Edge
The regulations ensure no hiding spots for star players. Every squad member must play at least one singles match in the first two days. At least four players must feature in doubles, and no pair can repeat unless the tie reaches a 12–12 decider on Day 3.
Even Agassi, who knows the pressure of tennis at its peak, admitted the unpredictable nature of the process:
“It’s strategic, but it’s also a lottery in some respects. The pressure builds until Sunday, so our goal is simple — stay in the fight as long as possible. Anything can happen.”
What to Watch
With both teams stacked with young firepower and established stars, Day 1 in San Francisco is not just about early points — it’s about setting the tone for a weekend that could swing on the smallest of margins.