Carlos Alcaraz says he will do “whatever it takes” to help Team Europe regain the Laver Cup.

This year will mark the Spaniard’s debut in the competition, which sees a selection of Europe’s top tennis players go up against opponents from Team World.

After arriving in Berlin, Alcaraz said: “I’m really excited to be part of this event. I’m looking forward to meeting the fellas here.

“When I watch it on TV it is a really good atmosphere between us, supporting (each other) during the whole match.”

Team World are aiming for a third straight triumph and Alcaraz is determined to put a stop to their winning run.

“That’s the goal. I’m going to do whatever it takes or whatever I have in my hand to help Team Europe to bring back the trophy and let’s see – it’s going to be a tough one,” he said.

“I think we have a really good team that we can bring it back.”

Ruud thinks Team Europe are boosted by having age on their side in the German capital.

“(We are a) bit younger this time, except compared to 2022 when we had Roger, Rafa and last year we were also young, but now we have a lot of top players on the team, a lot of top 10, top five players coming.

“Carlos [Alcaraz] is going to play for the first time. Daniel [Medvedev] is always a good weapon to have. Sasha [Zverev] has the routine so I feel happy with my team-mates and looking forward to giving it to Team World.”

World No. 7 and US Open runner-up Taylor Fritz leads Team World, which has a heavy American presence with Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe also in the squad.

Francisco Cerundolo returns for his second appearance, while Thanasi Kokkinakis and Alejandro Tabilo will play in the Laver Cup for the first time.

Fritz knows they face a tough task to retain the title with Europe bringing a squad packed with players high in the world rankings.

“Laver Cup is one of my favourite weeks of the year to play with the team and I’m just excited to get out there to start getting into it and get ready for the event,” he said.

“It’s going to be interesting, I think, after the last two years, Europe has brought a really, really strong team, and it’s going to be a tough week.”

After tasting success last year, Cerundolo is desperate for more of the same in Berlin.

“I mean, it would be amazing if we can repeat the victory of last year. 

“I think this year is tough because they got almost a full team. I mean, almost six players are top 10 players from them. 

“We also have a great team, the American guys did amazing in the US Open so I think we got our chances. I think they are the favourites but we can also win,” he said.