London: Two-time Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz narrowly avoided back-to-back singles defeats for the first time in 18 months as Team Europe moved into a 7-5 lead over Team World at the Laver Cup.

The world number three saved two match points before defeating American Taylor Fritz 6-3, 4-6, 13-11 in a dramatic deciding tie-break at the O2 Arena.

It was Alcaraz’s first singles appearance since his quarter-final defeat to Ben Shelton at the US Open.

“The drop shot is part of my game,” Alcaraz said after the match. “In those really close and important moments, I tried to use it because it was a really good weapon for me in this match.”

Fritz, whose only previous victory over Alcaraz came during Team World’s triumph in last year’s competition, kept his errors to a minimum and pushed the Spaniard all the way.

However, Alcaraz produced 42 winners compared with Fritz’s 20, thrilling a crowd that included tennis greats Roger Federer and Andy Murray.

Facing match point at 8-9 in the deciding tie-break, Alcaraz fired an ace before using his trademark drop shot to save another match point. He eventually converted his third opportunity when Fritz failed to reach another delicate drop shot.

Earlier on Saturday, Team World, captained by Andre Agassi, had threatened to take control of the contest.

Alex de Minaur came from a set down to defeat Alexander Zverev 2-6, 7-6 (7-5), 11-9, while American debutant Learner Tien edged Italy’s Flavio Cobolli 6-3, 2-6, 10-7.

Following Alcaraz’s victory, Zverev returned to the court alongside Casper Ruud and secured a crucial doubles win for Europe.

The pair defeated Alexander Bublik and Brandon Nakashima 6-4, 7-6 (9-7), ensuring Team Europe remained ahead going into the final day.

Match victories will be worth three points on Sunday, with the first team to reach 13 points claiming the Laver Cup title.

Team Europe are chasing a sixth Laver Cup crown, while defending champions Team World are aiming to secure their third.