Carlos Alcaraz described what he was able to hide from Taylor Fritz as he fired Team Europe to Laver Cup victory.
The 21-year-old was an integral part of his team’s fifth Laver Cup win. Alcaraz claimed eight of Europe’s 13 points, the highest tally from one player at a single edition of the event.
The Spaniard played four matches in total over the past weekend, and won two of his four doubles matches while winning both singles contests.
The last of those encounters came in the final match of the event with the winner claiming victory for their team and Alcaraz stepped up to ensure Bjorn Borg won his final Laver Cup as team Europe captain.
What did Carlos Alcaraz do during his match with Taylor Fritz at the Laver Cup?
Carlos Alcaraz entered the final match of the 2024 Laver Cup against Taylor Fritz with Team Europe trailing 10-11.
With three points at stake, it was winner takes all and the World number three was given the chance to clinch victory for Team Europe after Alexander Zverev came from behind to defeat Frances Tiafoe in the previous match.
Alcaraz stormed through the first set and though he failed to serve for the match at 5-4 in set two, he broke back Fritz in the following game and at the second time of asking, successfully served out the match and delivered Team Europe the title.
Though he was feeling nervous given what was on the line, Alcaraz did his best to not show that to Fritz.
“I mean, I was nervous, I’m not gonna lie. After Sascha’s match, he did a really good job. It was time for me to do my job,” Alcaraz told reporters. “It was kind of like I had to win.
“After that comeback, I have to win. I had nerves, I was a little bit nervous. I try not to show Taylor that I’m nervous, but, you know, I think I played one of my best matches so far. Tried to be as match-calm as I can and hit it as good as I can.”
Carlos Alcaraz has made a emphatic return to form after US Open disappointment
For the first time since becoming one of the world’s best, there were concerns surrounding Alcaraz’s form and confidence level after winning just one match over the North American hard court swing.
But he produced some encouraging performances for Spain to send them into the Davis Cup ‘Final 8’ before arriving in Germany for the Laver Cup.
He claimed victories over the American duo of Fritz and Ben Shelton in his singles before teaming with Casper Ruud to defeat Shelton and Frances Tiafoe in doubles.
The Laver Cup marks the fourth title Alcaraz has won this season along with the Indian Wells, French Open and Wimbledon trophies.
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