While leading Team Europe to a Laver Cup triumph, Carlos Alcaraz revealed what he managed to keep hidden from Taylor Fritz.
His 21-year-old teammate played a key role in their fifth Laver Cup victory. Alcaraz set a new record for most points scored by a single player in a single event by taking eight of Europe’s thirteen points.
The Spaniard had a busy weekend, competing in four matches in all. He won two doubles matches and both of his singles bouts.
The last of those clashes came in the event’s last match with the winner claiming victory for his side 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 down 10-11.
With three points at stake, it was winner takes all and the World number three was given the chance to claim victory for Team Europe after Alexander Zverev rallied from behind to overcome Frances Tiafoe in the previous match.
Alcaraz swept through the first set and though he failed to serve for the victory 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 express that to Fritz.
“I mean, I was nervous, I’m not gonna lie. After Sascha’s match, he performed a nice job. It was time for me to perform 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 felt a little bit nervous. I try not to show Taylor that I’m worried, but, you know, I think I played one of my greatest 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 dramatic return to form following US Open setback
For the first time since becoming one of the world’s greatest, there were worries regarding Alcaraz’s form and confidence level after winning only one match throughout the North American hardcourt swing.
But he produced some positive performances for Spain to send them into the Davis Cup ‘Final 8’ before landing in Germany for the Laver Cup.
He secured victory over the American duo of Fritz and Ben Shelton in his singles before combining with Casper Ruud to upset Shelton and Frances Tiafoe in doubles.
The Laver Cup represents the fourth title Alcaraz has won this season along with the Indian Wells, French Open, and Wimbledon trophies.