“It’s the first time Federer watch one of my matches” – Alcaraz happy with Laver Cup debut

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz made his Laver Cup debut on Friday at Berlin’s Uber Arena in the presence of 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer.

Alcaraz’s maiden appearance at the annual event didn’t go as planned as it culminated in a loss. He paired up with Team Europe mate Alexander Zverev for doubles duty against Team World’s duo of Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton.

Alcaraz and Zverev fought hard but the all-American team prevailed 7-6 (5), 6-4. The match concluded the first day of business in Berlin, with Team Europe and Team World tied 2-2.

Alcaraz later reached the media room to address his first post-match press conference at the Laver Cup.

“I’m really happy that we played doubles, that we don’t used to play so much doubles. But I’m really happy about it. I enjoyed a lot,” the Spaniard reflected on the outing with his German partner.

Alcaraz and Team Europe had a special supporter in the form of Roger Federer, who cheered them on from the stands. Federer, a former Team Europe member, even came down on the court before the competitive proceedings unfolded on Friday.

The Swiss embraced Alcaraz, also sharing a laugh with the young Spaniard.

In the press conference later, the four-time Grand Slam champion voiced his delight at performing in front of Federer.

it was great, playing in front of him. It’s the first time that he [Federer] watch one of my matches in real life, and I’m really happy that he was there, you know, watching our doubles.”

Carlos Alcaraz

The 21-year-old, dissatisfied with the doubles loss, hoped for the Swiss to visit Uber Arena on Day 2 when takes the court against Shelton in singles.

“He watch doubles match, I think I’m good but I’m not as good as the singles, I guess,” Alcaraz said laughing. “I hope to see him tomorrow in the singles. I hope he enjoyed the doubles match.”

About his brief exchange with Federer before the match, the Spaniard said:

“Obviously, was great seeing him in the practice. He didn’t tell me any tactic, any advice, but I mean, he just told me that he’s really happy about watching me in real life, that I’m here. So it was a great time for me that, I mean, I wish that moment for a long time, so it was a really good time.”

Alcaraz and federer practised at Wimbledon in 2019

Alcaraz and Federer never came face-to-face on the ATP Tour but they did swing against each other during a practice session at Wimbledon in 2019.

The Spaniard, only 16 and in the second year of his pro career, had travelled to London with his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero then. Federer, eyeing a ninth triumph at SW19, joined Ferrero’s camp to polish his skills ahead of the quarter-finals and exchanged a few rallies with Alcaraz.

Alcaraz notably posed for a photograph with the 20-time Grand Slam champion following their preparatory session and posted it on Instagram.

When Federer arrived in Berlin earlier this week for the 2024 Laver Cup, he reminisced about the same practice session and confessed that he denied an offer to face Alcaraz one more time. He also vowed to apologise to the world No 3:

“I only practised once with him at Wimbledon,” the Swiss said (per Tennis365). “And then the next day, my coach said, ‘Do you want to warm up with him again?’ and I said, ‘No, it’s okay, I’d rather warm up with his coach, who was my generation, Juan Carlos Ferrero.’ I can apologize to Carlos this week!”

“I still want to play with you” – Alcaraz’s emotional message to Federer on his retirement

Following Roger Federer’s retirement announcement in September 2022, Carlos Alcaraz penned an emotional note on Instagram expressing his wish to play a match against the Swiss.

“Roger has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration,” the youngster wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for everything you have done for our sport! I still want to play with you! Wish you all the luck in the world for what comes next!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carlos Alcaraz Garfia (@carlitosalcarazz)

Alcaraz had won his first Grand Slam title at the 2022 US Open and climbed to the world No 1 ranking by then. Thus, Federer issued a heartfelt response congratulating the Spaniard.

“Thanks for your kind words. Enjoying watching your rise. Congrats on the Open Carlitos,” the 43-year-old wrote in a comment below the Instagram post.

Results of the first day (each victory counts one point):

1. Cerundolo (World) b. Ruud (Europe): 6-4, 6-4 | World 1-0 Europe
2. Tsitsipas (E) b. Kokkinakis (W): 6-1, 6-4 | World 1-1 Europe
3. Dimitrov (E) b. Tabilo (W): 7-6 (4), 7-6 (2) | World 1-2 Europe
4. Fritz/Ben Shelton (W) b. Zverev/Alcaraz (E): 7-6 (5), 6-4 | World 2-2 Europe

Results of the second day (each victory counts two points):

1. Tiafoe (World) b. Medvedev (Europe): 3-6, 6-4, 10-5 | World 4-2 Europe
2. Alcaraz (Europe) b. Shelton (World) : 6-4, 6-4 | World 4-4 Europe
3. Fritz (World) b. Zverev (Europe) : 6-4, 7-5 | World 6-4 Europe
4. Shelton/Tabilo (World) b. Tstisipas/Ruud (Europe) : 6-1, 6-2 | World 8-4 Europe

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