The Laver Cup is right around the corner, and with it comes a whole host of enthralling potential match-ups for the tennis world to enjoy.
Bringing together some of the world’s best, in a unique event which actually forms a team setting for an otherwise lonely sport, arguably the most exciting part of it all is the doubles.
After all, it allows fans to see some of the most unexpected pairings that would otherwise never be formed.
Carlos Alcaraz seems particularly enamoured with this setup, having shone with Rafael Nadal in this format at the Olympics, and has since named the Team Europe player he most wants to play alongside.
Carlos Alcaraz previews Laver Cup
As just noted, Alcaraz revealed one lesson he learnt from playing with Nadal which should help him seamlessly transition into Laver Cup action.
The enthusiastic and energetic youngster seems arguably even more excited to be in Berlin, ready to play in a setting that does not come around all too often.
And, speaking to the Laver Cup’s official website, he named a surprise pick when asked for his dream doubles partner from within the squad, opting for Grigor Dimitrov.
The Spaniard stated: ‘For me, it’s going to be special if I play doubles with him, but whoever in the Team Europe I’m going to play with doubles [with], I’m super, super happy — I think everyone has a huge level of doubles, I think it’s going to be really fun with everyone.’
Who is going to win the Laver Cup this year?
Although the form book certainly favours Team World, having won the latest two iterations of the competition, when comparing this year’s squads there’s certainly a clear favourite.
After all, of the six selected to represent Team Europe, three are in the ATP top five, with both Casper Ruud and Dimitrov inside the top ten too.
Even Stefanos Tsitsipas is just outside in 12th.
Meanwhile, due to both injuries and a tough 2024 for some, the rankings are far less favourable for their opposition.
US Open finalist Taylor Fritz remains their highest-ranked player in seventh, having shot into the top ten for the first time in his career, but with injuries to Tommy Paul and Alex de Minaur, the next best is Frances Tiafoe in 16th.
Ben Shelton is then just one place behind him, with Alejandro Tabilo, Francisco Cerundolo and Thanasi Kokkinakis ranked 22nd, 31st and 78th respectively.
On paper, it’s a huge mismatch in Team Europe’s favour, and with the home support too this surely has to be a return to winning ways for them.
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