“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.”

Laver Cup 2024 results: Team World (w) 2-2 Team Europe (E)

Day 1:

1. Francisco Cerundolo (W) beat Casper Ruud (E): 6-4, 6-4 (W 1-0 E)
2. Stefanos Tsitsipas (E) beat Thanasi Kokkinakis (W): 6-1, 6-4 (W 1-1 E)
3. Grigor Dimitrov (E) beat Alejandro Tabilo (W): 7-6 (4), 7-6 (2) (W 1-2 E)
4. Taylor Fritz/Ben Shelton (W) beat Alexander Zverev/Carlos Alcaraz (E): 7-6 (5), 6-4 (W 2-2 E)

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