Alexander Zverev has revealed that Carlos Alcaraz led Team Europe to Laver Cup glory by deciding the entire line-up for Sunday’s deciding matches. The 21-year-old demonstrated his remarkable character to contribute to a dramatic final day, on which Team World were denied a third consecutive triumph.
In captains Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe’s final year in the role, there were fireworks at the Uber Arena in Berlin, courtesy of Alcaraz, Zverev and Casper Ruud’s winning efforts.
Frances Tiafoe looked destined to confirm victory for Team World as he led Zverev by a set and a break in Sunday’s third match.
However, the German rallied in front of his home crowd, denying Tiafoe the win he required. After enjoying doubles success with Ruud earlier in the day, Alcaraz then had the chance to complete the comeback.
And he did so with a straight-set win against Taylor Fritz, handing Team Europe a 13-11 victory, having trailed 7-11.
In the aftermath, Zverev expressed just how crucial Alcaraz was to the outcome, revealing his leadership role away from the court.
“What was the thinking? Well, it was quite simple. We had a meeting last night. It was extremely simple,” the world No. 2 said.
“Carlos walked in and decided what we were going to do, and we went to do that.
“He said, ‘I want to play doubles with Casper. Then Daniil is going to play singles against Shelton. You are not going to lose to Tiafoe.’
“He had so much confidence in me, [which] I never had in my life within myself, ever. And he said, ‘I’m going to win the deciding match.'”
After Team Europe regained the Laver Cup, their fifth in the seven editions of the competition, Alcaraz shared his delight.
The Spaniard, making his Laver Cup debut, explained: “We came here with a goal, all of us, to win the Laver Cup. I’m really happy. We are happy about reaching our goal.
“It has been a tough one, we almost lost, but Sascha [Zverev] came with some really good tennis.”
Team World captain McEnroe, joining Bjorg in walking away from the competition this year, produced a characteristic assessment.
“I want to congratulate Team Europe, you’re p***ing me off but that’s okay! What can you do? We battled our best,” the seven-time Grand Slam champion said.
He added: “A special thanks to my great rival, I love you man. Bjorn Borg. Thank you for being on the other side.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk