Carlos Alcaraz will headline next week’s Laver Cup, as Team Europe seek to wrangle back control of the competition after two consecutive losses.
In 2023, a weakened lineup was easily swept aside 13-2 by a side once again predominantly occupied by Americans.
However, this year Bjorn Borg has gone big with his selection, and will surely see his side as favourites.
Previewing the event, Carlos Alcaraz reveals what he is expecting to occur in his first appearance at the event.
Carlos Alcaraz previews the Laver Cup
Speaking to the Laver Cup’s official website, Alcaraz, the inarguable main attraction for Team Europe, sought to preview the competition.
Kickstarting next week in Berlin, Germany, it promises to be a real thriller despite a few notable drop-outs and an intense battle between some of the best tennis players on the planet.
However, whilst the Spaniard is expecting fierce competition, he is also excited about another element of the event, noting: ‘I love it and I wanted to be part of it. It’s a serious competition. I think we have to represent Europe, you know, in the best way possible. The prestige that this tournament has, and, being a Laver Cup champion is a huge thing.
‘We are going to laugh a lot, I’m sure about it.
‘Having a lot of time with them and speaking with them about something else, not only tennis, is going to be different … and I like different things.’
What are the official lineups for Team Europe and Team World at the Laver Cup?
After some heavy upheaval on both sides, Team Europe and Team World are looking far weaker than they once were.
However, those who plan to attend will be treated to some of the sport’s best current stars regardless.
Naturally, the big absentee from the Laver Cup is Rafael Nadal, who admitted that he was simply not at the level to compete.
He has been replaced by Grigor Dimitrov as the only alteration from the original Team Europe lineup.
Meanwhile, on the Team World side still headlined by Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe, there have still been some major changes that have weakened their chances somewhat.
After all, losing players like Alex de Minaur and Tommy Paul would be a blow to any side given their respective talents.
Fortunately, Chilean Alejandro Tabilo remains, with Francisco Cerundolo and Thanasi Kokkinakis called up in their places.
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