Tsitsipas beats Kokkinakis to pull Europe level with Team World on day one at Laver Cup

The Greek hit 25 winners as he gave Europe a boost following Francisco Cerundolo’s surprise win over Casper Ruud

Imago / Panoramic

September 20, 2024

Stefanos Tsitsipas pulled Europe level with Team World on day one of the Laver Cup as he beat Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia 6-1, 6-4 in Berlin on Friday.

Franciscu Cerundolo had earlier given Team World – winners of the last two editions – the perfect start with a surprise 6-4, 6-4 win over Casper Ruud in the opening match.

But the Greek was in imperious form, making just eight unforced errors, hitting 25 winners and making 89 percent of first serves as he pulled Team Europe level at 1-1 going into Friday’s night session.

“Pretty solid, I would say,” Tsitsipas said. “Very satisfied with that game I put out there today. It was important for Europe to get a point but I’m happy that I contributed with a point. It was against an opponent against whom I didn’t have a great time against a few weeks ago at the US Open so I am glad I redeemed myself, but also for the team.”

Tsitsipas praised Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg for being an inspiration and the skipper paid his own tributes.

“This was very important for us,” Borg said. “We needed this point and Stefanos played really good tennis. I’ve been following this guy for many years, I’m happy he won but it’s going to be a very close match.”

Kokkinakis had beaten Tsitsipas in the first round at the US Open just a few weeks ago but the Greek was on form from the start, ripping through the opening set and then holding on in the second to boost Europe’s hopes.

Grigor Dimitrov is sue to play Alejandro Tabilo in the opening singles of the evening, before Carlos Alcaraz, on his Laver Cup debut, partners Alexander Zverev against Americans Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton.