Carlos Alcaraz has revealed he tries to “imitate” Roger Federer on court after playing a starring role in a key Laver Cup victory for Team Europe on Sunday.
Alcaraz paired up with teammate Casper Ruud to seal a vital doubles victory over Team World’s Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton in the opening match of Day 3.
The Spaniard and world No 9 Ruud beat the Americans 6-2, 7-6(6) to move Europe within one point of Team World, after the team had lost both rubbers on Saturday evening to slip 8-4 behind.
Watching on in the crowd was tennis icon Federer, one of the men behind the event – and someone world No 3 Alcaraz has admitted he has been keen to impress.
And, speaking on court after the match, the 21-year-old admitted he draws inspiration from the Swiss when trying to entertain during his matches.
“I think one of the first tennis players who brought these kind of shots, making the impossible possible, was Roger,” said Alcaraz.
“I watched him many, many times, his matches. He hit shots, unbelievable shots.
“Every kid wants to imitate him a little bit, and that’s why I’m trying in every practice, in every match, trying to bring some good shots in the match, to make the people enjoy watching tennis a little bit.”
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Alcaraz could be back in action later on Sunday, with a singles clash against Taylor Fritz set to be the last match of the Laver Cup – assuming neither side has already won by that stage.
The Spaniard was beaten in his first doubles match on Friday night but bounced back with a victory versus Shelton on Saturday – in what is his event debut.
And 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer has been an interested spectator in all of his matches, having revealed prior to the tournament he was looking forward to watching Alcaraz play live.
Federer commented: “His [Alcaraz’s] intensity, the power of his shots, his physical abilities. It is clear that he must be careful not to run for every ball, because it is not necessary. But he will learn with age and with time.
“But he is already very strong when it comes to the important points. Beating Novak in five sets when he was playing at his best at Wimbledon, he showed that day that he is that player and that he is here to stay for a long time.
“I am excited to see Carlos play here because I have never seen him play live.”
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