Carlos Alcaraz believes there are plenty of positives in joining forces with Alexander Zverev later this week at the Laver Cup.
The duo are taking part in the annual team competition, where players from Europe take on the rest of the world. Alcaraz and Zverev are two of three top-10 players on the European team alongside Flavio Cobolli. Team World will feature two top-10 players, Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz.
Alcaraz will play only his second event since returning to the Tour from a wrist injury. Earlier this month he reached the quarter-finals of his comeback event at the US Open before getting ousted in five sets by Ben Shelton. The Grand Slam was won by Zverev, who shortly afterwards said he was ‘probably’ the best player in the world currently. A view that the Spaniard has endorsed.
“It’s great,” Alcaraz said of playing alongside the German. “As he (Zverev) said, and I agree, he is probably the best player in the world right now. So having him by my side and on our team, it’s gonna be a great weapon that we’re gonna use this weekend.”
Since the inaugural event in 2017, Europe has won the Laver Cup five out of eight times, but in recent years they have had to settle for second best. In three of the last four editions, Team World has come out on top in the three-day event, including last year when they won 15-9.
“Hopefully we’re gonna get great points,” Alcaraz commented.
“I missed lifting the trophy last year, so I’m gonna do whatever it takes to do it this year.
“I feel the US Open was a great test for me. So I can’t wait to play.”
The competition format features 12 matches over three days, with nine of them being singles. Points depend on the day they are won. One point is awarded on day one for a win, two on day two and three on day three. The first team to 13 points wins.
Also taking part in this year’s event for Europe are Rafael Jodar, Jakub Mensik, Casper Ruud, and Arthur Fery (alternate). For the team world, they will have Leaner Tien, Brandon Nakashima, Alexander Bublik, Francisco Cerundolo and Ignacio Buse (alternate). Yannick Noah and Andre Agassi are team captains, with Tim Henman and Patrafter being vice-captains.
This year’s edition will be held at The O2 in London, which previously hosted the ATP Finals. Action will get underway on Friday.
