PREVIEW Laver Cup Day One: Team Europe and Team World set to commence rivalry

The 2025 Laver Cup is fast approaching, as Team Europe and Team World clash once more, with 12 of the best players from around the world prepared to leave everything on the court to reinstate pride to their part of the world.

There will be three days of eye-catching tennis, with four matches a day as each team attempts to take the upper hand. The stakes will be raised after each passing day. A win on the first day will accumulate your team one point, two on the second day, and three on the third and final day of action.

A day and a night session will take place, accommodating two matches in each. Two singles in the day, with a singles and doubles tie at night. The first team to reach the magical 13-point mark takes home the trophy. Europe had a knack of doing this in the early stages of the tournament, triumphing in the first four from 2017, but were pegged back by Team World, who clinched a brace of victories in 2022 and 2023. Last year, a Carlos Alcaraz inspired Team Europe took their crown back, coming back from an 8-4 deficit on the final day to regain the title.

Will Team Europe win back-to-back titles, or will Team World fight back and add to their growing collection? Here is the 2025 Laver Cup day one preview.

The anticipated action kicks off at 1pm local time, with three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud taking on the big-serving American Reilly Opelka. Both players will be wanting to get their team off on the right track, especially Opelka who will sense an opportunity for a big upset.

Despite beating Jack Draper in Madrid to claim his first Masters 1000 title earlier this year, it has been a lacklustre campaign for the Norwegian. Three consecutive round two exits from Grand Slams, along with just one title, has seen him tumble down the rankings to number 12th in the world.

A large factor on this clash would be if it is a slow or fast court. The matches are being played on indoor hardcourts, which would suit Openka and his massive serving. The 6"11 28-year-old is one of the biggest servers on the tour, and would cause the best players in the world some problems.

However, there are questions on his overall game that would bring Ruud back into it. A huge weakness is returning serves, leaving him struggling to break his opponent's serve. This is Ruud's best chance to get a result, but it will still be tough as Opelka will pounce if an opportunity is given.

The following tie sees young Czech star Jakub Mensik take on Alex Michelsen. Like his fellow American, Michelsen was a late call-up, with Team World citing numerous problems with injuries, specifically Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and Tommy Paul.

Despite not being on the same level, he is a solid replacement, having had a breakout campaign. He has showed his threats, recently achieving a quarter-final at the Canadian Open. His serve will be key on this surface, and his offensive nature would likely give him a chance, if he is on his best game. Experience can be a decisive factor for the 21-year-old, still lacking the consistency of the top players.

While not a top player yet, it seems the sky is the limit for Mensik, who surprised everyone in Miami by winning the Masters 1000 title against 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. He should be in his element on an indoor court, boasting a huge serve and aggressive forehand.

In both of these ties, Team Europe go into it as the favourites. Not writing either of the Americans off, but unless they produce a massive performance, they could find themselves 2-0 down in the early stages of the event.

The third and final singles match of day one sees Flavio Cobolli and Joao Fonseca take to the court for the second time this year. Previously, the pair were involved in a closely-fought battle, with the Italian just squeezing in front at the end in a tight deciding tiebreaker.

Cobolli made a name for himself by reaching the Wimbledon quarter-finals a few months ago, and is yet another top Italian player on the roster, along with Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti. A sharp presence from the baseline, he is aggressive and produces some lethal groundstrokes, which allow him to dictate the play. A keen clay player, his play style does not fit the hardcourt criteria as well as some of his opponets, which may leave him vulnerable, especially of it is on a fast surface.

This could open the door for the young Brazilian sensation. When he steps out on the court, the 19-year-old will become the youngest Laver Cup competitor. This is just a testimont to what he could achieve in tennis, with many touting him to become one of the greats.

Already witholding a massive forehand and serve which would suit him perfectly on this surface, he is likely going to push Cobolli to the limit. His experience may seep through on the big stage, making very few deep runs in big competitions.

The doubles match will complete an exhilarating day of action, with the US Open champion returning for the first time since becoming a six-time Grand Slam champion. Alcaraz will team up with Mensik, and will face off against American number one Taylor Fritz, paired with Michelsen.

While all are primarily singles players, Alcaraz and Fritz have shown off their doubles ability in the past. Fritz has already shown that he is a weapon on hardcourt, previously reaching a US Open final. His big serve and aggressive style will test their European opponents, with him also winning a bronze medal in the 2024 Olympic men's doubles. This was the same competition in which Alcaraz teamed up with his hero Rafael Nadal, but they could only muster up a quarter-finals appearance.

Mensik and Michelsen will be familiar with each others game after playing each other in the day session, but may be exposed with their doubles experience not on the same level as their compatriots. However, this will only make a more fascinating contest, and a unique experience to see some of the best singles players in the world team up on the court.