Team World jumped out to a 4-0 opening-day lead over Europe as the Laver Cup began in Vancouver with founder Roger Federer present.
The longtime underdog side which finally broke through for a title win in London a year ago – the weekend of Federer’s emotional retirement from tennis – wasted no time in building a trophy defence barrier for the weekend.
US Open semi-finalist Ben Shelton and Argentine Francisco Cerundolo won singles matches to start, with Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime defeating Gael Monfils 6-4, 6-3 to conclude the day’s singles.
In evening doubles, Americans Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe finished off the sweep 6-3, 4-6, 10-6 over French debutant Arthur Fils and Andrey Rublev.
“Last year was an amazing win in London, but if we can win on home soil for the first time, that would also be cool,” Auger-Aiassime said.
“It was our first win last year for Team World. To do it with the crowd, with us and supporting us, and for me especially as a Canadian, it feels good.”
Europe captain Bjorn Borg will be hoping for a comeback showing form his side which won all editions until 2022 since the competition began in 2017.
The first team to reach 13 points will win, with point values for wins increasing over each of the three days of play.
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