As Carlos Alcaraz denied John McEnroe the perfect Laver Cup send-off, the American veteran humbly maintained that the Spaniard brought nothing but joy to the ATP Tour.
Laver Cup debutant Carlos Alcaraz picked up a record eight points over the three-day event – the most points a player has earned for his team in a single edition.
Team Europe started the day trailing 4-8, but mounted a remarkable comeback led by an Alcaraz and Casper Ruud doubles triumph.
While Ben Shelton recovered from doubles defeat to edge past Daniil Medvedev, Germany’s own Alexander Zverev forced a thrilling finale after eking out a win over Frances Tiafoe.
Alcaraz was simply magnificent in the deciding match defeating Taylor Fritz, Team World’s top-ranked player, to move Team Europe to five wins in seven editions of the Laver Cup.
John McEnroe says which quality he most admires about Carlos Alcaraz
After John McEnroe said he wanted Alcaraz to play ‘terribly’ at the Laver Cup, the Spaniard, unfortunately for the American, did the complete opposite.
Having not lost a set in the singles, McEnroe claimed top players are already copying Alcaraz, with the trailblazing 20-year-old already on four Grand Slam titles.
With McEnroe departing this year from the event, he reflected on his own career after Alcaraz’s Laver Cup domination.
“Firstly, I would say he is one of the five fastest and most agile players I have ever seen on a tennis court,” the 65-year-old remarked, in quotes reported by Punto de break. “His hand talent is exquisite; he can do whatever he wants with the ball, showing remarkable sensitivity on his racket. In addition to that, the power he can exert on his strikes is mind-blowing.”
Continuing, McEnroe explained the qualities he admires the most in the young Spaniard: “The most authentic and fun thing about him is that passion he feels for tennis and can convey on the court.
“He is always able to smile without losing concentration and knows how to navigate through difficult situations with great skill. I wish I had that. I believe Carlos’s virtues are unique; nothing quite like him has been seen before.”
Carlos Alcaraz survives his US Open wobble to lay down marker before the Australian Open
Alcaraz suffered three defeats in four including his Olympic final loss to Novak Djokovic in August.
A smashed racquet against Gael Monfils and a shock US Open defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp stood as a total paradox compared to Alcaraz’s otherwise successful year.
When Alcaraz lost the opening set to Czechia’s Tomas Machac at the Davis Cup, the warning signs only grew stronger.
However, a strong comeback was followed up by a convincing display against France’s Ugo Humbert.
After the successes at the Laver Cup and clearly a point well-proven, Alcaraz will be desperate to show up strongly in Melbourne.
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