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Day 1 of the 2025 Laver Cup concluded with Team Europe taking a 3-1 advantage, thanks to Jakub Mensik winning both his singles match and then teaming up with Carlos Alcaraz to secure victory in doubles as well.

Things are expected to heat up significantly on a crucial Day 2, with all matches now worth two points. Here at LWOT, we will provide predictions for each match in what could turn into a Laver Cup edition that goes right down to the wire.

Laver Cup Day 2 Predictions

Alexander Zverev vs Alex de Minaur

Head-to-head: Zverev 8-2 de Minaur

Although the head-to-head might look lopsided, the last four hard-court matches between these players have all gone to a deciding set. Both Zverev and de Minaur rely on making a match physical, as they each have great endurance. However, while the Aussie holds the edge in movement and speed, the German clearly possesses the bigger weapons in his serve and backhand. Coupled with de Minaur’s rather unremarkable record against top-5 ranked players, this should be a match that Zverev ultimately wins.

Prediction: Zverev in 3

Holger Rune vs Francisco Cerundolo

Head-to-head: Rune 1-0 Cerundolo

A match between an elite forehand and an elite backhand always promises intrigue, but both Cerundolo and Rune will need more than that to secure points for their teams here. Both have shown inconsistent form recently; while Cerundolo has a tendency to tighten up in pressure moments, Rune can either produce his best tennis or completely combust. In a match that could go either way, Rune gets the slight edge for me, as his ceiling still feels higher.

Prediction: Rune in 3

Carlos Alcaraz vs Taylor Fritz

Head-to-head: Alcaraz 3-0 Fritz

This is not only the matchup of the day but arguably of the entire tournament, as both teams’ highest-ranked players face off in a pivotal clash that could very well decide the event’s outcome. Fritz has done remarkably well to elevate himself into the tier just below the “New Two,” thanks to his improved mindset, movement, and all-around game. But Alcaraz reminded everyone at the US Open that there are levels to this sport—a level that only a select few in tennis history have ever been able to reach.

Prediction: Alcaraz in 2

Holger Rune/Casper Ruud vs Alex de Minaur/Alex Michelsen

Head-to-head: First Meeting

This has a deciding match tiebreak written all over it, as neither pair features a doubles specialist or players with significant experience together. While Rune and Ruud are certainly the more established names, doubles matches are often decided by complementary styles and consistency rather than star power. I favor de Minaur and Michelsen to have that edge, giving Team World a crucial win and a fighting chance heading into Day 3.

Prediction: de Minaur/Michelsen in 3

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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