Tennis News:

Laver Cup/Chengdu/Hangzhou

Written by Edda Bevilacqua

Laver Cup: Carlos Alcaraz Clinches Laver Cup Championship for Team Europe

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz guided Team Europe to victory against Team World, 13-11, defeating American Taylor Fritz in the final match of the Laver Cup Tournament. He closed out his victory on serve in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, to lead Team Europe to the championship. Team World had been leading 8-4 going into the final day of competition.

Alcaraz began the comeback bid for Team Europe by teaming with Norway Caspar Ruud in doubles. They defeated Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe of the United States in straight sets 6-2, 7-6. In the next singles match, Ben Shelton defeated Russia’s Danil Medvedev 6-7, 7-5, 10-7 to set up a potential victory for Team World. However, Frances Tiafoe lost his next singles match to Germany’s Alexander Zverev 6-7. 7-5, 10-5 to bring the momentum back to Team Europe.

Alcaraz triumphed over American Taylor Fritz in the final match to give the victory to Team Europe. Team World had been successful the last two years at Laver Cup but, with the help of Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, it was Team Europe who triumphed in 2024.

Chengdu, China: Shang Juncheng Wins First Title at Home in China

Nineteen-year-old Shang Juncheng won his first ever main tour title on home soil in China, defeating Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets, 7-6, 6-1. After winning a hard-fought tiebreak in the first set, Juncheng easily captured the second set. He is the second Chinese man to win a main tour title, joining compatriot Wu Yubing, who defeated American John Isner to take the title in Dallas in 2023.

Juncheng is now setting his sights on the Next-Gen final, to be held in Saudi Arabia in November. The Next-Gen final features the best players aged 20 years and younger.

Hangzhou, China: Marin Cilic Wins Comeback Title

Croatia’s Marin Cilic returned from a long injury layoff to defeat China’s Zhang Zhizhen in straight sets 7-6. 7-6 in Hangzhou, China. Cilic, who entered the tournament ranked number 777 in the world, became the lowest-ranked player to win a main tour title. He needed a wildcard to qualify for the tournament and worked his way back to the main tour by playing Challengers.

Cilic was emotional following his victory: “It has been a difficult period for me. I lost my ranking and I didn’t play too much.” He credited his family for sticking with him through this difficult time in his life:

“Everybody at home has been with me in this difficult period, working day by day, believing and pushing me, giving me strength and spirit.”

Cilic moves up 404 points in the rankings to number 373 following his victory at Hangzhou.