Carlos Alcaraz and doubles partner Jakub Mensik gave Team Europe a 3-1 lead over Team World after the opening day of the Laver Cup on Friday.

Alcaraz and Mensik beat Alexander Bublik and Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-4 in the final match of the day at the O2 Arena in London. Rafael Jodar had broken a 1-1 deadlock after the day session by defeating Bublik 6-2 6-3 in the evening's singles match.

In the day session, Brandon Nakashima made the most of his Laver Cup debut by beating Mensik 6-1 3-6 10-7. In the event's opener, Casper Ruud beat Francisco Cerundolo 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 10-8 to give Europe an early lead.

The 16th-ranked Nakashima was a late addition to Andre Agassi's roster after US Open runner-up Ben Shelton withdrew. Following the opening day, Alcaraz said: "I'm just trying to have fun... Having a partner like Jakub, it's really easy to have fun on the court." Wins are worth one point on Friday, two on Saturday and three on Sunday. Europe have won five times while Team World won their third title last year.