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Carlos Alcaraz (left) was playing for the first time since winning the US Open title earlier in September
ByJess Anderson
BBC Sport journalist
Carlos Alcaraz says he has "enough battery to pull off some good things" after helping Team Europe race to a 3-1 lead over Team World on the first day of the Laver Cup.
Spanish world number one Alcaraz is competing in his first tournament since winning the US Open earlier in September.
He partnered Czech player Jakub Mensik to seal a 7-6 (9-7) 6-4 win over Team World's Taylor Fritz and Alex Michelsen on Friday.
Norway's Casper Ruud had put Team Europe's first point on the board in San Francisco with a 6-4 7-6 (7-4) victory over American Reilly Opelka.
World number 17 Mensik then beat Michelsen 6-1 7-6 (7-3) 10-8 before Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca pulled a point back for Team World, fighting back from a break down to claim a 6-4 6-3 win over Italy's Flavio Cobolli.
Six-time major champion Alcaraz said playing in the doubles allowed him to show his trademark flare.
"I think it [doubles] gives you more opportunities to make great shots, great volleys," the 22-year-old said.
"But doubles is not just about one player. It was a team [effort] with a great player in Jakub.
"He has great skills and made me comfortable on the court."
Alcaraz and Mensik did not face a break point against American pair Fritz and Michelsen, with Alcaraz showing good hands at the net and Mensik bringing power from the baseline.
Alcaraz has lost just six of his 67 matches on the ATP Tour this year, winning seven titles.
Match victories on the opening day of the Laver Cup are worth one point each, with two points awarded for wins on day two and three.
The winners are the first side to reach 13 points from the 24 available across the three-day tournament.
Europe have won five of the seven editions of the event.
